ICC World Cup 2023: South Africa announce 15-member squad
South Africa have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. Temba Bavuma, their regular ODI skipper, will lead the Proteas in the marquee tournament. The squad is studded with star batters - Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen. South Africa will face Sri Lanka in their WC opener on 7 October.
A power-packed bowling line-up
South Africa have a formidable bowling line-up in the form of pacers Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi. The likes of Gerald Coetzee, Sisanda Magala, and Marco Jansen join the experienced trio. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj returns to the squad after recovering from his Achilles injury. Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and part-time off-spinner Aiden Markram are the others.
Stubbs, Brevis, and Parnell miss out
Youngsters Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis have been left out of South Africa's 15 squad. Notably, the duo was picked for the ODI series against Australia. Left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell has also been excluded as he is yet to recover from his shoulder injury.
De Kock to retire from ODIs post WC
As mentioned, de Kock, Klaasen, Markram, Miller, van der Dussen, and Reez Hendricks form the batting order. It is important to note that de Kock will retire from ODIs following the tournament. Cricket South Africa announced the same on August 5. De Kock, who made his international debut in 2012, has been a crucial member of South Africa's top order.
SA's squad for WC 2023
SA's squad for WC 2023: 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, and Rassie van der Dussen.
SA's WC campaign begins on October 7
As mentioned, South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Ahead of the tournament, the Proteas will take on Afghanistan (September 29) and New Zealand (October 2) in warm-up games. South Africa will clash with Australia on October 12 and defending champions England on October 21.
