Lhuan-dre Pretorious Among 2 African Casualties For Namibia ODIs, Replacements Announced

Lhuan-dre Pretorius ruled out of Namibia ODIs. [Source - @proteasmencsa/X]

In a significant development, South Africa have suffered a setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Namibia. With less than two days remaining, the series gets underway in Windhoek on Wednesday, September 9, with South Africa making changes.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius is one of the notable casualties from the South African squad and will miss the upcoming Namibia ODIs. His absence comes as the Proteas make some changes to their squad ahead of the three-match series.

South Africa Updated ODI Squad For Namibia ODIs

Cricket South Africa on Monday, September 7, announced an updated ODI squad for the three-match series against Namibia, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Andile Simelane missing out from the previously announced squad.

Corbin Bosch and Matthew Breetzke have been brought in as replacements for Pretorius and Simelane, with South Africa making the changes ahead of Wednesday’s opening ODI against Namibia in Windhoek.

South Africa squad for ODI series vs Namibia: Bjorn Fortuin (C), Eathan Bosch, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Jason Smith and Prenelan Subrayen.

South Africa Face Injury Setbacks Ahead Of Namibia ODI Series

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Andile Simelane will miss the ODI series against Namibia and has been replaced in South Africa’s squad. Both players have been ruled out of the three-match series, with their respective injuries forcing the South Africa to make changes late.

Pretorius has been ruled out with a right adductor muscle injury, while Simelane will miss the series after suffering a left abdominal muscle strain. The two injuries have come at a critical time for South Africa.

Pretorius’ absence is particularly a big setback after his impressive Namibia T20I tri-series, where the left-hander finished as the leading run-scorer with 226 runs at a stunning 179.37 strike-rate, including a century against Namibia before the final.

South Africa Still Well Equipped Despite Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ Absence

South Africa still have plenty of quality in their squad despite Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ absence from South Africa's ODI squad, with several promising players capable of stepping up and taking responsibility in the batting and bowling departments.

Bjorn Fortuin will lead the side in the absence of regular captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. The experienced left-arm spinner has played 16 ODIs and adds leadership to what has been a young South African squad in this Namibia tour.

Also Read: Brad Evans' Heroics In Vain; South Africa Register Record Win vs Zimbabwe To Bag Tri-Series

Matthew Breetzke, as replacement, strengthens the batting unit, averaging 64.18 in his 12-match ODI career with six half-centuries and a century. With this depth available, Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ absence from South Africa's updated ODI squad for Namibia ODIs should not hurt South Africa significantly.

South Africa vs Namibia ODI Schedule

South Africa and Namibia will face each other in ODIs for the first time in history, with the two sides set to contest a three-match series from September 9 to 13 in Windhoek.

Also Read: When Was The Last Time Pakistan Men/Women Team Beat India In T20I or ODI?