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South Africa’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha and the all-format series against Pakistan due to a groin injury. This setback comes as a significant blow for the Proteas, who are already grappling with multiple injuries in their pace department.
Coetzee sustained the injury while bowling on day four of the Durban Test, where South Africa secured a commanding victory. Scans revealed a muscle strain in his right groin, and the 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.
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Kwena Maphaka Called Up as Replacement
Coetzee’s place in the squad will be taken by Kwena Maphaka, a fast bowler who made his international debut earlier this year during the T20I series against West Indies. Maphaka will join the squad for the second Test, which begins on December 5 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.
South Africa’s Injury Woes Mount
Coetzee’s absence compounds South Africa’s injury concerns, particularly in the pace department:
- Wiaan Mulder, the fast-bowling allrounder, is sidelined with a fractured right middle finger.
- Nandre Burger has been ruled out for the entire summer due to a lower back stress fracture.
- Lungi Ngidi is unavailable until January.
This leaves South Africa with three fit frontline quicks from the Durban Test: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson. Rabada and Jansen, who played pivotal roles in the first Test, are expected to lead the attack once again in Gqeberha.
Coetzee’s Role in Durban Test
Coetzee had a promising outing in Durban before his injury. He began the morning session with Kagiso Rabada and delivered impactful spells despite his discomfort. He dismissed Dinesh Chandimal with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort after lunch but struggled to complete his quota of overs, signaling his groin trouble.
Coach Shukri Conrad revealed that Coetzee reported a “niggle” at lunch and was strapped up for the afternoon session, but the injury ultimately ruled him out of further participation.
Upcoming Challenges
After the second Test against Sri Lanka, South Africa is set to host Pakistan for a packed series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. The absence of Coetzee, coupled with their depleted pace arsenal, presents a challenging scenario for the Proteas as they prepare for a demanding schedule.
The second Test against Sri Lanka is slated for December 5–9 at St George’s Park, where South Africa will aim to wrap up the series despite their injury challenges.
