South Africa suffer major Anrich Nortje blow ahead of World Cup

Fellow seamer Sisanda Magala has also been ruled out with a knee problem, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams replacing the duo

Nick Friend | 21/09/2023 at 10:29

South Africa have suffered a double blow ahead of the World Cup, losing fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala.

Nortje in particular is an enormous loss, having suffered a suspected stress fracture in the second ODI against Australia.

Magala, meanwhile, only played the third ODI of that series and has injured his left knee; he was only just back in action after recovering from other injury issues. He is replaced by seamer Lizaad Williams, with Andile Phehlukwayo coming in for Nortje.

"It's hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup," said South Africa head coach Rob Walter. "We sympathise in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action.

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^{Sisanda Magala has also been ruled out (Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images)}

"This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage. Both players have been part of our winter programmes as well as having represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia.

"They offer great skill sets and we're excited to have them complete the 15-player squad for this year's World Cup."

Nortje would have been among the fastest bowlers at the World Cup, so his absence is a disappointment for the tournament as well as South Africa, who are still well-stocked in the seam department, with Kagiso Rabada leading an attack that also includes Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen.