ODI World Cup 2023

South Africa pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala doubful for World Cup 2023

South African pacer duo Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala are unlikely to be available for selection for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The 29-year-old’s back injury has put him in doubt as it looks more serious than Cricket South Africa (CSA) thought it to be earlier. He last featured in the second ODI against Australia, where he bowled just five overs and conceded 58 runs before walking off the field due to back spasms.

Magala is nursing a left knee problem. South Africa is set to leave for India on September 23 and a final call on the duo’s availability will be taken before the journey. However, the right-arm pacer is likely to start bowling under the watchful eye of the medical team. Previously he was also ruled out of the 2019 World Cup due to a fractured thumb.

We are concerned about it, and a specialist is looking at him now: Dr Shuaib Manjra

Dr Shuaib Manjra addressed Anrich Nortje‘s condition and said, “We are concerned about it, and a specialist is looking at him now. We will give him the best possible chance to be available and ready for the World Cup. 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.”

Walter said, “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. 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.”