Anrich Nortje injured before Cricket World Cup 2023
Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been withdrawn from the 2023 ODI World Cup owing to injury, causing a huge blow to South Africa’s World Cup preparations. Their absence will surely influence the team’s performance during the competition. This is a huge setback for the South African cricket team.
Read: South African Team for ICC World Men’s World Cup 2023
South Africa has called on Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams to fill the vacuum left by Nortje and Magala. These two players will join the squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, looking to impact the team’s campaign.
Notrje’s loss will hurt them
Anrich Nortje, famed for his quickness and ferocity, has been afflicted by a probable back stress fracture. This ailment was discovered when he had spasms during the second ODI against Australia earlier this month.
Read: Pakistan Squad for ICC World Cup 2023 [Announced]
Nortje’s departure is especially painful for South Africa, considering his reputation as the team’s quickest bowler and his considerable experience playing in India for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Magala’s Knee Troubles
Sisanda Magala, who suffered a left knee injury, has joined Nortje on the injured list. Magala’s injury history was already a source of concern since he had not played cricket since fracturing the webbing in his hand during the IPL in April.
Check: ICC Cricket World Cup points table 2023
Later, he was ruled out of the T20I series against Australia owing to infrapatellar tendinopathy, a condition characterized by soreness in the tendon that joins the kneecap to the shin bone.
Unfortunately, Magala developed knee trouble again after playing only one ODI against Australia.
South Africa’s prospects for the World Cup
South Africa’s ODI World Cup campaign begins on October 7 with a match against Sri Lanka. The squad will depart on September 23 for India, where they will play warm-up games against Afghanistan on September 29 and New Zealand on October 2. These games will be critical in refining their strategy and determining the preparedness of their replacements.
Check: ICC World Cup Schedule 2023 PDF Download |Men’s one Day World Cup
Conclusion
Important player injuries like those sustained by Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have thrown South Africa’s World Cup ambitions into chaos. To compete, the squad must rapidly reorganize and adjust to the new arrivals. The path ahead is difficult. However, South Africa is aiming for the trophy in time. Let’s see how the team performs this time!