In an unexpected development for South African cricket, fast-bowler Gerald Coetzee has been deemed unfit to feature in the three Tests for South Africa – one against Sri Lanka, two against Pakistan – due to a groin injury.
Coetzee, who picked up the injury on his right groin while charging in on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka, is expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks. The right-arm quick will be replaced by Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut in the international arena earlier this year against the West Indies in the 20-over format.
Coetzee stopped his spell in the morning session after just three overs. The speedster bowled sparingly post that, sending back Dinesh Chandimal with a caught and bowled post Lunch.
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad admitted that Coetzee “felt a groin niggle” and went back after the break all “strapped up” as per an ESPNcricinfo report. The injury only adds to the Proteas’ setbacks as Wiaan Mulder is ruled out due to a fractured middle finger.
As far as the second Test is concerned, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are deemed fit. The other quick in the squad is Dane Peterson as Lungi Ngidi remains unavailable till January while Nandre Burger is out for the entirety of the summer with a lower-back stress fracture.
Pakistan will tour South Africa for an all-format series comprising three T20Is, as many ODIs, and a couple of red-ball games. The second Test against the Lankans is scheduled from December 5 at St George’s Park.
Despite Coetzee’s injury, the Proteas hold the upper hand going into the final Test. The visitors were no match to the hosts in the first match as they crumbled to their lowest Test score (42) and eventually lost by 233 runs.