ICC World Cup 2023: South Africa Sweat On Nortje And Magala Availability, Fitness Test This Week

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Johannesburg, September 18: South Africa sweat on the availability of Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India with a crucial fitness test scheduled for this week, reveals white-ball coach Rob Walter.

Nortje and Magala were named in South Africa's provisional 15-member squad for the World Cup, but played only one game each in the just-concluded five-match ODI series against Australia.

While Nortje sustained a lower-back injury during the second ODI, his only appearance in the series, Magala is nursing a left-knee problem, having made his solitary appearance in the third ODI.

South Africa, who came from 0-2 down to defeat Australia 3-2 in the 5-match ODI series, is set to leave for India on September 23 and final call on the duo's availability will be taken before the journey. But going by early indication, both quicks are likely to miss the bus.

"We are continually taking stock as to where both of those players are. 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" South Africa's white-ball coach Walter was quoted as saying by 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"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."

Who can replace Nortje and Magala in South Africa World Cup 2023 Squad?

Walter also hinted of a replacement option in case Nortje and Magala are ruled out, adding Andile Phehlukwayo is one player that is likely to get a call up to the World Cup-bound South Africa squad.

"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."

The 27-year-old, who made two appearances in the ODI series against Australia, made an important contribution with the bat in the series decider at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, where the all-rounder scored an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls and finished with figures of 1 for 44 in 6 overs.

South Africa World Cup 2023 Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

(With PTI inputs)