South Africa Squad: The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up faster than a rocket-propelled cricket ball. South Africa has pulled back the curtains on their ODI squad, and there are some surprises, some retirements, and a whole lot of excitement.
The Proteas’ Power-packed Squad
South Africa’s squad announcement came hot on the heels of India revealing their World Cup lineup. Skipper Temba Bavuma leads the charge, and guess what? Eight players in the squad are making their maiden appearance in this epic tournament.
Here’s a quick rundown of the squad’s highlights:
- Gerald Coetzee: The young pacer, Gerald Coetzee, gets a golden ticket to the World Cup despite having just two ODIs under his belt. He’s already made waves with a scintillating debut performance, taking 3 wickets and giving 57 runs against the West Indies. Watch out for this rising star!
- Quinton de Kock’s Retirement: In a surprising twist, wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has decided to bid farewell to the One-Day International format after the World Cup. He’s turning his focus to Twenty20 Internationals and those lucrative T20 franchise leagues. We’ll miss his acrobatic catches and explosive batting.
- The Spin Wizardry: Spinners are expected to play a crucial role in this World Cup, especially with the tournament returning to the subcontinent. South Africa is banking on left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj to weave their magic. And don’t forget the handy part-time off-spin of batting all-rounder Aiden Markram in the middle overs!
Coach’s Take on the Squad: South Africa Squad
Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter is thrilled with the squad’s mix of experienced players and newbies. He believes this balance will help them adapt effectively to the Indian conditions. Walter expressed his confidence in skipper Temba Bavuma and the senior players to lead the squad to glory.
Read also: Indian Squad ICC World Cup 2023 Revealed: Surprises And Snubs
South Africa’s World Cup History
Now, let’s talk history! South Africa has never not reached the final of a World Cup. Their best showing was reaching the semi-finals in the 1992 World Cup in Australia. They repeated the feat in 1999, 2007, and 2015. However, in the last edition in England, they finished a disappointing seventh in the group stage. But every cricket fan knows fortunes can change in the blink of an eye in this beautiful game.
Meet the Squad: South Africa Squad
- Captain: 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
Conclusion: South Africa Squad
South Africa’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Get ready to cheer for your favorite players, and may the cricketing with thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and hopefully, a historic triumph for the Proteas!
FAQ
When does the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 take place?
The tournament is scheduled for the months of October and November 2023.
How many new players are there in South Africa’s squad?
South Africa has included eight players making their debut in the World Cup.
Why did Quinton de Kock retire from ODIs?
De Kock decided to retire from One-Day Internationals to focus on Twenty20 Internationals and T20 franchise leagues.
Who are the key spinners in South Africa’s squad?
South Africa has chosen Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj as their spin options, with Aiden Markram providing part-time off-spin.
What is South Africa’s best World Cup performance to date?
South Africa reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1992, 1999, 2007, and 2015 but is yet to reach the final. In the previous ODI World Cup, they finished seventh in the group stage.
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