‘Ek ek karke sab pacer out ho rahe’ – Fans react as Anrich Nortje gets ruled out of South Africa’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad

South Africa dealt a massive blow ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 as their star pacer Anrich Nortje gets ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury. Along with him, Sisanda Magala has been ruled out also due to a knee injury. Nortje recently played the second game of the five-match home ODI series against Australia. 

In that match, he managed to bowl only five overs and after that, he did not bowl due to back spasm. With the bat, he scored 10 runs off 13 balls but in the upcoming matches, he was ruled out as the Proteas were not willing to risk him ahead of the mega event. In the third ODI, Magala suffered a knee injury as he was able to bowl only four overs. Now, Lizaad Williams and Andile Phehlukwayo have come into the squad as replacements. 

Anrich Nortje has now missed two consecutive ODI World Cups due to injury

Nortje has experience of playing in Indian conditions as he plays in IPL. His ability to bowl 150kmph deliveries along with accurate yorkers make him one of the most lethal bowlers in the world. However, he missed the 2019 ODI World Cup also due to a thumb fracture and hence, missing two consecutive ODI World Cups is a major setback for him personally. 

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

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

South Africa’s updated squad: Temba Bavuma (c), 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.

Here is how fans have reacted: