Bosman, Bopara to miss World Cup

South Africa and England have both been dealt harsh blows just a week out from the start of the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup. Opening batsman Loots Bosman and all-rounder Ravi Bopara have both succumbed to injuries attained from playing international cricket over the last fortnight.

Bosman, a hard hitting batsman at the top of the South African order, collided with the advertisement hoardings during his sides 8 wicket win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd ODI last month. The 30 year old injured his back and had to be carried from the field of play whilst attempting to take a catch on the boundary and it was with deep regret that Cricket South Africa had to withdraw Bosman from the World Cup squad.

Bopara’s injury was attained in the 5th ODI against India when he attempted to take a return catch from Gautam Gambhir. He immediately left the field of play with blood coming from his hand but returned later to bat with the help of a painkilling injection. The medical report later showed that he had dislocated and fractured his right thumb and with such little recovery time it was inevitable he would miss the World Cup.

Replacements for both Bosman and Bopara are expected to be named and approved by the ICC in the next few days.