Proteas coach explains withdrawal of Sisanda Magala from Cricket World Cup squad

By Nasri Alexander
30th September 2023

Proteas head coach Rob Walter has explained why Sisanda Magala was replaced in the World Cup squad despite the fast bowler playing in a domestic match recently.

Magala was originally selected in the 15-man squad to do duty in India but was withdrawn two days before the team's departure due to injury.

The 32-year-old only played in one of the five ODIs against Australia, where he left the field after only bowling four overs.

The Proteas departed for the World Cup on 23 September but just four days later Magala was included in the starting XI for his provincial team the Lions against the Dolphins in a one-day match, bowling five overs before the game was abandoned due to rain.

Walter revealed that the risk of taking the paceman to the global tournament was just too big as they cannot call-up a replacement if a player arrives at the event with an existing injury.

"The regulations for the World Cup are very different than for a domestic competition; if he pulls up for the Lions, he just gets replaced," Walter said.

"At the World Cup we can't replace him if he arrived with an existing injury, which was the case.

"We had to make a call based on that risk and we then had to put the team first. The last thing we need is to be at a World Cup and we are carrying a bowler (with an injury) leaving all the legwork to be done, by five other fast bowlers.

"It's the risk with that debilitating injury, which is a chronic thing, it can flare up at any stage. We just couldn't take the risk of having him here."

Walter was more positive regarding the absence of captain Temba Bavuma who has flown back home to attend a family matter.

Bavuma will miss final warm-up fixture against New Zealand on Monday but is expected to be back with the squad ahead of their opening fixture against Sri Lanka in Delhi on 7 October.

Walter added: "Temba's is a personal situation and he left the team due to personal reasons and we are looking forward to him coming back next week.

"So, the impact (of his absence) on the team will be negligible. A guy like Temba has played a lot and has scored recently, so I am not worried about him personally."