Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been replaced in the Proteas’ 15-man squad for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The team is set to play their first match against Sri Lanka, in Delhi, on October 7.

Nortje has a suspected lower back (lumbar) stress fracture. The 29-year-old seamer experienced lower back spasms during the second one-day international against Australia and underwent specialist assessments and scans.

Cricket South Africa says that with Magala still nursing a left knee injury, it was decided that the risk associated with his inclusion in the squad was too great.

Coach Rob Walter has named KZN Dolphins all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, and Northerns Titans seam bowler Lizaad Williams as the replacements.

“It’s hugely disappointing for Nortje and Magala to be missing out on the 50-over world cup. Both are quality players who add immense value to the Proteas,” says Walter.

“We sympathise with 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 Phehlukwayo and Williams on the global stage.

“Both players have been part of our winter programmes and 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.”

The Proteas’ world cup squad

Temba Bavuma (c, Lions), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions), Lizaad Williams (Titans).