South Africa’s seamer Sisanda Magala and spinner Keshav Maharaj overcame health issues to be selected for the World Cup squad, while wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock announced his retirement from the format after the tournament.
Coach Rob Walter claims that just seven players on South Africa’s squad have participated in a World Cup before. The team is aiming to capture a trophy that has eluded them under peculiar circumstances ever since their 1992 debut.
Maharaj will be the team’s captain after he recovers from his Achilles injury. Temba Bavuma is a batter. He played for the first time since March in South Africa’s five-wicket Twenty20 International loss against Australia on Sunday.
Rahul is back for India’s World Cup squad announcement.
A knee injury had kept Magala out of that series, but his ability to alter pace quickly and control the ball would be useful against Indian bowlers.
Young batsmen Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs have not been selected, while experienced all-around player Wayne Parnell’s injury to his shoulder is a major loss.
South Africa, which entered the game with two elite spinners in Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, has a useful third option in batter Aiden Markram.
Walter remarked that when you’re doing anything for the first time, you get that kind of exuberance of excitement. “It’s fantastic to have a mix of players competing in their first 50-over World Cup, as well as players with experience.”
Comparable in experience, we have tried to put together a group of players who are skilled and well-rounded, so we can effectively adapt to the conditions in India.
The 30-year-old De Kock, who has previously declared his retirement from Test cricket, said he would not play in One-Day Internationals after the World Cup.
“We understand his decision to step back from ODI cricket and we want to thank him for his service over the years,” said Enoch Nkwe, South Africa’s director of cricket.
“We still look forward to watching him play T20 cricket for the Proteas, and we hope he has a bright future.”
The team will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7.
South African Team:
Temba Bavuma (captain), David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Sisanda Magala, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Rassie van der Dussen