Advertisment
Cricket

'Galat time pe chot lag gaaya inko' - Fans react as Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala set to miss ODI World Cup 2023 due to injuries

Anrich Nortje had also missed the 2019 World Cup due to a broken thumb which was won by England at Lords against New Zealand.

author-image
Jennifer
Updated On
New Update
Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje (source: Twitter)

South Africa have suffered two big jolts ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the marquee event. Nortje has been the modern white lightning for the Proteas. He has picked up 36 wickets in 22 matches at an economy rate of 5.85. The speedster has been ruled out due to a back injury. Nortje missed the 2019 World Cup due to a broken thumb.

Advertisment

For Sisanda Magala, he was a bright upcoming prospect but he will miss the World Cup because of a knee injury. Magala has taken 14 wickets in eight ODIs at a very good average of 25.4. The Proteas have prided themselves on their wonderful group of fast bowlers who have caused a lot of problems to the batters over the years. In 2011 when the World Cup was held in India, South Africa made it to the quarterfinals.

“Let me make a prediction here,” he said. “Anrich Nortje could well be the player of the tournament. Not simply the bowler of the tournament, but also the man of the tournament. Just one suggestion for him – he is still bowling a little short. Whoever is his coach needs to tell him to go a little fuller," Makhya Ntini said on the show Backstage with Boria.

It is great to have Andile and Lizaad in the World Cup squad- Rob Walter

Advertisment

Coming to replacements,  Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams have come on board.  Phehlukwayo has picked up 89 wickets in 76 ODIs. The all-rounder can hit big in the lower middle order and his slower balls will be tough to pick in the subcontinental conditions. Williams is another bright prospect who could represent the Proteas for a long time.

“It’s hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup. Both are quality players that add immense value to the Proteas. We sympathize in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action," Rob Walter said.

“This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage. Both players have been part of our winter programs 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,” The South African coach added.

Advertisment

Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:

featured South Africa Anrich Nortje Twitter Reactions ODI World Cup 2023