South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje will be unable to participate in the upcoming Cricket World Cup in India. Despite initially being part of the Proteas' provisional squad for the tournament, set to commence on October 5, Nortje's fitness isn't at a level that allows him to travel. This marks the second consecutive World Cup that he will miss due to persistent back issues. Additionally, Sisanda Magala, another pacer, has had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury.
Both Nortje and Magala played key roles in South Africa's recent 3-2 home one-day international series victory over Australia. Nortje had previously missed the 2019 World Cup due to a fractured thumb, and Cricket South Africa stated that the risk of including him in the squad outweighed his potential contributions to the team.
Magala faced a knee problem that restricted his bowling to just four overs in the third ODI of the five-match series against Australia. To fill the void left by these injuries, South Africa's white-ball coach, Rob Walter, has called up all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and fast bowler Lizaad Williams to join the 15-man squad. Walter expressed his disappointment at losing Nortje and Magala but also highlighted the opportunity that now arises for Andile and Lizaad to showcase their skills on the global stage.
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