Double blow for Proteas: Nortje and Magala ruled out of World Cup

South Africa have been hit by a double blow ahead of the Cricket World Cup, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje and all-rounder Sisanda Magala being ruled out of next month’s showpiece in India.

Nortje had a suspected stress fracture in his lower back, an injury he picked up in the second ODI against Australia earlier this month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed in a statement on Thursday.

Magala was unable to recover in time from a persistent knee injury which had sidelined him from most of the home tour against Australia.

“Ultimately it was decided that the risk associated with [Magala’s] inclusion in the squad outweighed his obvious value to the team,” CSA said.

Nortje and Magala were replaced by seamer Lizaad Williams and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in the 15-man Proteas squad.

“It’s hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup,” said Proteas coach Rob Walter.

“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.

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“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,” he added.

“They offer great skill sets and we’re excited to have them complete the 15-player squad for this year’s World Cup.”

The Proteas squad will leave for India on Saturday, and they will play their first World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on 7 October.

Proteas squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams