‘Aur yeh laga bada jhatka’ – Fans react as Sisanda Magala and Anrich Nortje get ruled out of ODI World Cup 2023

South Africa’s pace duo, Anrich Nortje, and Sisanda Magala, won’t be part of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India starting from October 5. Nortje is dealing with a back injury, while Magala has a knee problem. To replace them, South Africa has called up Lizaad Williams and Andile Phehlukwayo.

Nortje, known as one of the fastest bowlers in the world right now, could have been a potent weapon for South Africa in their quest for their first World Cup title. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old won’t be making the trip to India due to his back injury.

In a recent ODI against Australia, Nortje bowled just five overs before leaving the field due to back spasms. Although he later came out to bat and scored 10 runs, the Proteas decided not to risk him further ahead of the World Cup. Nortje had earlier been named in South Africa’s 15-member squad for the tournament.

Andile Phehlukwayo could be a like-for-like replacement for Magala

Anrich Nortje’s ability to consistently bowl at speeds of 150kph and above makes him a valuable asset, especially given Kagiso Rabada’s inconsistent form lately. Nortje has played 22 ODIs for South Africa, taking 36 wickets at an average of 27.28 and a strike rate of 27.94.

However, South Africa does have an alternative in 22-year-old Gerald Coetzee, who has shown the potential to consistently bowl at speeds exceeding 145kph during his budding international career. Meanwhile, Lizaad Williams, who was their top wicket-taker in the T20I series against Australia (even though South Africa lost 0-3), is another option to fill Nortje’s void. Ultimately, the management went for Williams.

The Proteas made a like-for-like replacement for Sisanda Magala by bringing in Andile Phehlukwayo. Phehlukwayo featured in the second and fifth ODIs of the five-match series against Australia at home, contributing 39 runs and taking two wickets in the two games combined.

Here’s the updated squad for South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

Here’s how fans reacted: