This week, a fitness test will be used to assess whether South African fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala will be available for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India or not.
The two fast bowlers were named in the fifteen-member squad of the Proteas for the World Cup.
Injuries woes just ahead of the World Cup
Both the players picked up injuries in the 5-match ODI series Against the Aussies. In which South Africa made a historic comeback from 0-2 down to win 3-2. Although, both players played just one match in the ODI series.
Nortje sustained a lower back stress fracture, while Magala endured a problem in his left knee. Their inclusion in the squad depends upon a fitness test. On September 23, South Africa is scheduled to depart for India, and a final decision regarding the availability of the duo will be made before departure.
South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter, while expressing his concern regarding the inclusion of both the pacers, said, “The fact that they weren’t playing today with a week to go before we board the plane for the World Cup is obviously a cause for concern. We would have wanted them out there. There are complications around taking players that are injured into a World Cup because then you have to provide a medical reason to be swapped out.”
Phehlukwayo as replacement
Seasoned seam bowling all-rounder, Andile Phehlukwayo will be called up if the worst-case scenario of Nortje and Magala being ruled out occurs
Walter explained why Phehulkwayo’s name is being considered before the other players. His knock of 38 off just 19 balls in the last clash of the 5-match ODI series has impressed the coach and other members of the administration.
Walter said, “Andile is one of a couple of guys who are part of a broader squad and today he showed us, especially with the bat, what we have seen in terms of his capability,” Walter said.
“That knock, you can look at it, and say it was match influencing. A total of 270 looks different to a total of 315 and he was a massive role-player in that. He took an important wicket with the ball as well. I am very happy that Andile was able to deliver that performance today.”
