Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala doubtful for ODI World Cup 2023
Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala (Source: Twitter)
The South African cricket team has suffered a huge blow as their star bowlers, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala’s participation in the upcoming marquee tournament ODI World Cup 2023 is doubtful considering their injuries. Both the bowlers had recently participated in the team’s home series against Australia and played 1 ODI match each.
Australia’s tour of South Africa comprised three T20 matches and 5 ODI matches, which were won by Australia and South Africa, respectively. The series was played to prepare well for the ODI World Cup, but it resulted in multiple player injuries for both sides. Currently, South Africa’s Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala will have to appear for a fitness test in the upcoming days to guarantee their participation in the World Cup.
Rob Walter on Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala’s participation in ODI World Cup
South Africa’s white ball head coach, Rob Walter recently, gave injury updates about the two players and said, “We are continually taking stock as to where both of those players are. The fact that they weren’t playing today with a week to go before we board the plane for the World Cup is obviously a cause for concern. We would have wanted them out there. There are complications around taking players that are injured into a World Cup because then you have to provide a medical reason to be swapped out”.
Rob Walter also discussed the backup options that South Africa has prepared in case both Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala fail to make it to the squad. The white ball head coach named Andile Phehlukwayo as the replacement for the players, considering his stellar performance In recent times.
“If at all, Nortje and Magala miss out, Andile Phehlukwayo is in contention to be called up for the World Cup-bound squad. Andile is one of a couple of guys who are part of a broader squad and today he showed us, especially with the bat, what we have seen in terms of his capability,” added Rob Walter.
“That knock, you can look at it, and say it was match influencing. A total of 270 looks different to a total of 315 and he was a massive role-player in that. He took an important wicket with the ball as well. I am very happy that Andile was able to deliver that performance today”, said Rob Walter.
