Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced a strong 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be played in India from 05 October – 19 November.
Temba Bavuma will lead the side in his first 50-over World Cup and is one of eight players who have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups.
The experienced Kagiso Rabada will spearhead the bowling attack, which also includes the exciting trio of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee. The squad also comprises of at least three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram.
The batting unit is a formidable one, led by some of the most exciting batters in the world game in David Miller, T20I captain Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen.
All-rounders Marco Jansen and Sisanda Magala complete the squad.
South Africa Squad – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions) and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Management
Rob Walter (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Jean-Paul Duminy (Batting Coach), Eric Simons (Bowling Coach), Wandile Gwavu (Fielding Coach), Thomas Dawson-Squibb (Performance Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Zunaid Wadee (Security Officer).
Commenting on the squad selection, Rob Walter said: “It is always tough choosing a World Cup squad and I’ve said it a couple of times, the stronger the depth of your team, the better the players are that you’re leaving out.
“It’s great having a mix of experienced players and players who will be competing in their first 50-over World Cup – you get that sort of exuberance of excitement to be doing something for the first time.
“Similar to the level of experience, we have endeavoured to curate a well-balanced group of players and skill, that will allow us to effectively adapt to the conditions in India.
“Under the leadership of Temba and the senior group, I have the utmost faith this squad will make South Africa proud.”
Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “The World Cup is the pinnacle for every player, no matter what the sport is. As a boy it is something you dream of and I’m sure these players will be all be feeling extremely proud today.
“I would like to congratulate all of them on their selection and I am sure they will represent the Proteas badge with distinction and honour. We have no doubt they will give everything in India and do their best to try and bring the trophy home.”
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper De Kock has announced that he will retire from ODI cricket following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Since making his ODI debut in 2013, the 30-year-old has gone to play 140 matches and has amassed almost 6 000 runs at an average of 44.85. One of his career highlights came up against Australia in 2016 when scored a career-best 178 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
He was also named full time captain of the side from 2020 – 2021.
Commenting on De Kock’s retirement from ODIs, Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said: “Quinton de Kock has been a really good servant to South African cricket. He set the benchmark with his attacking batting style and was a key member of the squad for a number of years. He also wore the captain’s armband and that is an honour that very few people get to hold.
“We understand his decision to step back from ODI cricket and we want to thank him for his service over the years. We wish him well for the future but still look forward to seeing him represent the Proteas in T20I cricket.”
Dewald Brevis, Wayne Parnell and Tristan Stubbs have been released from the Betway ODI squad against Australia for the five-match series that starts on Thursday. Parnell will continue his recovery from a left shoulder injury under the medical supervision of Western Province Cricket (WPC).
