Bavuma admits losing Nortje a hammer blow for Cricket World Cup, but backs Coetzee to fill void

Captain Temba Bavuma says the Proteas will miss Anrich Nortje's experience and leadership at the World Cup in India but has backed Gerald Coetzee to step up.

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Nortje, 29, was ruled out of the global showpiece with a back injury, with the fast bowler now missing his second consecutive 50-over World Cup after also being ruled out of the campaign in England in 2019.

The paceman was a key component in the Proteas' plans in India, with the South Africans looking to use their battery of fast bowlers to counter opposition teams.

Bavuma feels that 22-year-old Coetzee, who has only played in six ODIs, will be able to fill the role left by Nortje just as he did in the recent series victory over Australia.

When asked about Nortje's absence before the team's departure, the Proteas skipper told reporters: "We share in his disappointment and the emotion of him missing his second World Cup.

"The biggest thing with Anrich is the experience and his leadership within the team. That leadership part isn't easily replaced.

"If we do decide to still go [the pace] route, Gerald can still do that role, he doesn't have Anrich's experience, but he will only get that experience by playing.

"Even in the series against Australia, I felt he bowled well, according to the role we wanted him to do."

The Proteas will play two warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup, against Afghanistan on Friday and New Zealand on Monday, before their tournament opener against Sri Lanka in Delhi on 7 October.

Bavuma said it is essential that they start well in the campaign and take lessons from 2019 when they lost three of their first four matches before exiting the tournament ahead of the