South Africa has been one of the finest teams in white-ball cricket over the years. However, they have yet to reach the final of any major event in Men's Cricket competition. But they have always been one of the most competitive teams to play against.
Injuries have been a concern before the World Cup for every team. Sri Lanka has been the team with the most players out before the World Cup and some of them might even get ruled out as well. On the other hand Australian batter Travis Head is set to miss the first half of the World Cup.
Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah also is doubtful due to a shoulder injury he picked in the Asia Cup Super 4 game against India.Β Now, South African pace duo, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala has been ruled out of the tournament. The pacer picked up a back spasm during the second ODI in the five-match ODI series against Australia.
It's hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup: Rob Walter
The loss of Nortje could prove to be a crucial one. He had prior experience of bowling in Indian pitches as he plays the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the franchise Delhi Capitals. He is one of South Africaβs pacers could prove to be a big loss as the side does not have a fast bowler of the same quality to partner the likes of Kagiso Rabada.
On the other hand, Magala had a knee injury and made his sole appearance in the third ODI against Australia, where he bowled just four overs. His injury has added to the challenges faced by the South African team. He has a reputation for his death-bowling and being able to contribute down the order with his power-hitting abilities.
As per Cricket South Africa, Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams are the replacements for the injured duo. The former had featured for the South African side in the 2019 World Cup where he played 9 games, scored 156 runs, and took 11 wickets in the mega event.
South Africa's coach Rob Walter said, "It's hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup. We sympathize in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action."
Here's how fans reacted
Sb Fast Bowlers Injured ho rhy hain WC se pehly π₯²π
β Faizan (@i_am_Faiizan) September 21, 2023
Another setback.. This worldcup should be renamed "injuredCup 2023" π
β Cricket Updates (@rameez_kazmi) September 21, 2023
Ohhh really π³π³π³ big blow for south africa
β ASHISH (@Ashish87652264) September 21, 2023
What u guys think π€π€
IPL King
β Imi Imthiyas (@imi_hamad1) September 21, 2023
Now Ruled Out π
Meanwhile African fans: pic.twitter.com/5DJ8doaETx
β Human Being πΉ (@ttjktyrt) September 21, 2023
Good News For all other teamsπ
β CricketWala (@USTrending60319) September 21, 2023
W for SA. This guy is a run machine. Ishan kishan bashed him all over the park
β ππ¨π‘π₯π’π§ππ!ππ§_ππ© (@bholination) September 21, 2023
South Africans are certified chokers
β User45 (@140off113) September 21, 2023