The availability of South African fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magal for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India will be determined this week after a fitness test.
The duo were named in South Africa’s initial 15-man squad for the World Cup, but played only one match each in the just-concluded five-match ODI series against Australia.
While Nortje has suffered a lower back injury, Magala has a problem with his left knee.
South Africa is scheduled to leave for India on September 23 and a final call regarding the duo’s availability will be taken before the trip.
But according to early signals, both speedsters are likely to miss the bus.
“We’re constantly looking at where both of those players are,” South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter said after the 3-2 win over Australia, according to ESPNcricinfo.
“The fact that they didn’t play today, with a week to go before we get on the plane for the World Cup, is obviously a cause for concern. We would like them to be there. There are complications in taking players who are injured to the World Cup because then you have to provide a medical reason to be substituted.” If both Nortje and Magala are ruled out, South Africa are likely to call up Andile Phehlukwayo in the World Cup squad.
“Andile is one of a few guys who are part of the wider squad and he showed us today, especially with the bat, what we’ve seen in terms of his ability,” Walter said.
