South Africa unveil squad for World Cup 2023
Cricket South Africa named their squad for the marquee event, on Tuesday, 5 September, which will be led by their regular ODI skipper Temba Bavuma.
Eight out of the 15 players have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups including captain Bavuma.
A notable name in South Africa's World Cup mix is right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, who made his international debut earlier this year. In his two one-day international appearances to date, Coetzee has taken five wickets, including a three-wicket haul on his ODI debut.
The squad comprises experienced batters such as Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen.
Star wicketkeeper-batter de Kock has also made significant news by announcing his retirement from ODI cricket after the conclusion of the World Cup.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and includes the likes of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi among other fast-bowling talents.
Given that the tournament is taking place in India, spinners are expected to play a vital role due to the suitable subcontinental conditions. South Africa boasts outstanding spinners in Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who are well-equipped to excel in this role.
The Protea Men's white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, reflected on the thinking behind the squad selection for the World Cup.
“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.”
CSA's Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, also shared his thoughts on the squad announcement: “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.”
South Africa will kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on 7 October at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Prior to that, they have warm-up games scheduled against Afghanistan on 29 September and New Zealand on 2 October.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), 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, Rassie van der Dussen.
