The 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup is set to commence in India, marking the 13th edition of this prestigious global tournament. The tournament will kick off with an exciting clash between England and New Zealand on October 5, followed closely by the South African team's opening game against Sri Lanka on October 7.
South Africa's journey in the World Cup will unfold with matches against various formidable opponents, including Australia (October 12), Netherlands (October 17), England (October 21), Bangladesh (October 24), Pakistan (October 27), New Zealand (November 1), India (November 5), and Afghanistan (November 10).
The Proteas have officially unveiled their squad to prepare for this highly anticipated event. The announcement occurred at a special event held at Grey College in Bloemfontein on Tuesday morning. Leading the team is Temba Bavuma, who will be making his debut in a 50-over World Cup. Notably, eight players in the squad will be experiencing their first World Cup call-up.
The Proteas boast a formidable bowling attack spearheaded by the experienced Kagiso Rabada. The pace department also includes the dynamic trio of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and the rising star Gerald Coetzee. Furthermore, the squad features a trio of spin options Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram. The batting unit is nothing short of impressive, led by some of the most exciting batters in the world of cricket.
The line-up includes David Miller, T20I captain Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Rassie van der Dussen. The all-rounders in the squad, Marco Jansen and Sisanda Magala, add depth and versatility. Reflecting on the squad selection, Rob Walter noted, "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."
He emphasised the significance of blending experienced players and those making their debut in a 50-over World Cup, highlighting the enthusiasm and excitement of first-time participants. Given that the World Cup will be held in India, where spin-friendly conditions are anticipated, the presence of spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi becomes crucial.
They are well-equipped to excel in these conditions and play pivotal roles in the Proteas' campaign. South Africa's Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, expressed his pride in the selected squad, acknowledging the significance of representing the Proteas in a World Cup. He congratulated the players and expressed confidence that they would give their all to bring the trophy home.
Before the tournament, South Africa will have warm-up matches against Afghanistan on September 29 and New Zealand on October 2. The 2023 Cricket World Cup, hosted in India, promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with teams from around the world vying for cricket's most prestigious trophy. Under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma and a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, South Africa's squad aspires to make the nation proud.
The Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be hosted in India from October 5 to November 19, 2023. The South Africa squad will comprise 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 and Rassie van der Dussen.
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).
