As the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup draws near, South Africa’s crucial pace duo set to face a fitness test to ascertain their readiness for the marquee event.
The participation of bellwethers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala in the World Cup remains uncertain, as they’re yet to demonstrate their fitness ahead of South Africa’s departure for India on 23 September.
Both the players were named in South Africa’s 15- member team for the blockbuster event, still, since also, they both featured in only one out of the five home ODIs against Australia – a series that the hosts won by a 3- 2 periphery.
Nortje featured in the alternate ODI and sailed only five overs before walking off the field due to back spams. He returned to the field in the alternate innings, scoring 10 runs with the club while fur at No. 10 during the run chase. His reverse injury latterly ruled him out for the remainder of the series.
While Magala, who’s down with a knee injury, made his sole appearance in the third ODI against Australia, in which he sailed just four overs.
“We’re continually taking stock as to where both of those players are,” Rob Walter, South Africa’s white- ball trainer told ESPN Cricinfo after the conclusion of the Australia series.
“The fact that they were not playing moment with a week to go before we board the aeroplane for the World Cup is obviously a cause for concern. We’d have wanted them out there.
“There are complications around taking players that are injured into a World Cup because also you have to give a medical reason to be shifted out,” Walter added.
Still, South Africa could consider turning to all- rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, If either of the bellwethers is supposed unfit for the World Cup.
Phehlukwayo, who lately played in the alternate and fifth ODIs against Australia, showcased his chops by taking one gate in each match and contributing a rapid-fire 38 * from 19 balls in the fifth ODI.
The final date for submission of World Cup team changes to the ICC is 28 September. Know More Latest ICC CWC News…
South Africa’s initial World Cup squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
