Proteas Make Late Change to T20 WC Squad

South Africa have made late changes to their T20 World Cup squad, drafting in batters Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs after injuries ruled out Tony de Zorzi and Donovan Ferreira.

De Zorzi has failed to recover in time from a hamstring tear he sustained in India in December, while Ferreira fractured his shoulder while fielding during an SA20 match. Both players were part of South Africa’s original squad but will now miss the tournament.

The changes come amid wider fitness concerns for the national side. David Miller remains the most significant doubt after suffering a leg injury during the SA20. He will miss the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies and must pass a fitness test before South Africa depart for the World Cup in early February. His availability for the tournament is still uncertain.

Lungi Ngidi and Dewald Brevis are also being monitored. Ngidi, who bowled only two overs in the first SA20 qualifier on Wednesday, playing for the Pretoria Capitals against Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and who was seen with heavy strapping on his left leg, is expected to be fit in time to travel. Brevis sustained a finger injury but still produced a match-winning 75 for the Capitals and is scheduled for a scan.

Rickelton’s inclusion was driven by strong SA20 form. He scored the second-most runs in the tournament (after Quinton de Kock), scoring 337 runs at an average of 42.12 and a strike rate of 156.01. His initial exclusion had raised eyebrows in some quarters.

Teams can make changes to their T20 World Cup squads until 31 January, with any further alterations requiring approval from the International Cricket Council.

South Africa plays three T20Is against the West Indies next week, ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is being held in India and Sri Lanka. South Africa’s first game is on 9 February against Canada in Ahmedabad.

South Africa T20 World Cup squad: Aiden Markram (captain), David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, George Linde, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Marco Jansen, Kwena Maphaka