Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of ODI World Cup 2023; Replacement Player Announced

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup 2023 scheduled to play in India.

Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of ODI World Cup 2023

Anrich Nortje who is currently considered one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket suffered a back injury during the second ODI of the five-match series against Australia, which took place on his home turf.

As per the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 schedule, England and New Zealand will play the first match of the tournament on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. A total of 48 matches will be played between 10 participating teams across 10 venues in different cities across India.

It will be the first time the competition is held entirely in India; three previous editions were partially hosted there – 1987, 1996, and 2011. As of the previous edition, the 2023 edition will also follow the same format where each participating team will play the other nine teams once in the group stage where a total of 45 group matches will be played.

The top 4 teams of the ICC ODI World Cup points table will enter the knockout stage to play semifinal 1 and semifinal 2.

Along with Nortje, Sisanda Magala who suffered a knee injury also missed out the World Cup 2023.

Both the players were named in South Africa’s 15-member squad for the blockbuster event, however, since then, they both featured in only one out of the five home ODIs against Australia – a series that the hosts won by a 3-2 margin.

Nortje featured in the second ODI and bowled only five overs before walking off the field due to back spams. He returned to the field in the second innings, scoring 10 runs with the bat while batting at No. 10 during the run chase. His back injury subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the series.

While Magala, who is down with a knee injury, made his sole appearance in the third ODI against Australia, in which he bowled just four overs.

South Africa have named Lizaad Williams and Andile Phehlukwayo as replacements for the injured players.

Phehlukwayo, who recently played in the second and fifth ODIs against Australia, showcased his skills by taking one wicket in each match and contributing a rapid 38* from 19 balls in the fifth ODI.

The final date for submission of World Cup squad changes to the ICC is 28 September.

Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball head coach, said, “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.

“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.”

South Africa World Cup 2023 Squad

Temba Bavuma will lead the South African cricket team in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Check out the full South Africa World Cup 2023 Squad below:

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