New Delhi: South Africa have picked Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje in the 15-member squad for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy after the fast bowlers managed to recover from their respective injuries in time. The duo has returned to the Temba Bavuma-led squad which also has some big names missing through injuries.
Gerald Coetzee was not considered for selection due to a groin injury he suffered during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban last year. The injury forced Coetzee to miss the second Test at Gqerberha and the entire home series against Pakistan.
Burger misses the CT bus due to injury
Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Nandre Burger, who suffered a lumbar stress reaction ahead of the ODI series against Ireland two months ago, also missed the bus.
Nortje returned from an injury he suffered on his big toe last month that ruled him out of the series against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ngidi was sidelined from the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to a groin strain.
The Proteas, who reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, are pooled alongside Afghanistan, Australia and England in group B.
Proteas to face Afghanistan in opener
The African side will open their campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21 before facing off against Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25. Bavuma’s men will face England in their final group game on March 1.
South African selectors also picked all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who suffered a finger injury in the series against Sri Lanka but recovered to play in the second Test against Pakistan after the physios gave the green signal. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi were selected as the specialist spinners.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. Fast bowling duo of Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje made a comeback for the marquee tournament after recovering from injuries. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
