Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of South Africa’s Second Test and Pakistan Series Due to Groin Injury

Gerald Coetzee Out of Action: South Africa Faces Major Setback Before Sri Lanka and Pakistan Series

In a significant blow to South Africa’s cricket team, fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha as well as the upcoming all-format series against Pakistan. Coetzee sustained a groin injury during the first Test in Durban, and scans have confirmed a muscle strain in his right groin. He is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.

Injury Details
Coetzee picked up the injury on day four of the Durban Test while bowling during Sri Lanka’s second innings. The 23-year-old, who had shown promising form, started the morning session alongside Kagiso Rabada but stopped after a three-over spell. After a short rest, he returned for a two-over spell but appeared uncomfortable.

Despite the discomfort, Coetzee bowled three overs after lunch and even managed to dismiss Dinesh Chandimal with a spectacular caught-and-bowled effort. However, his groin niggle worsened, and he did not bowl again for the remainder of the day.

Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s head coach, revealed after the day’s play that Coetzee had alerted him to the issue at lunchtime. “He felt a groin niggle and went back after the break strapped up,” Conrad explained. Unfortunately, the subsequent scans confirmed the severity of the injury.

Squad Adjustments
Kwena Maphaka, who made his international debut earlier this year during the T20I series against the West Indies, has been named as Coetzee’s replacement. Maphaka brings a fresh dynamic to the squad but lacks the experience that Coetzee offers in the longest format of the game.

South Africa’s injury troubles do not end with Coetzee. Fast-bowling allrounder Wiaan Mulder is already sidelined with a fractured right middle finger, while Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi are also unavailable. Burger is out for the summer due to a lower back stress fracture, and Ngidi is expected to return only in January.

Despite these setbacks, South Africa still has the services of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, the Player-of-the-Match from the Durban Test. Dane Paterson, another experienced pacer, is also in the squad and is likely to feature in the second Test.

Upcoming Fixtures
The second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka will take place at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, from December 5 to 9. After this series, South Africa is scheduled to host Pakistan for a packed all-format tour, which includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.

With Coetzee ruled out, South Africa will need to rely on its bench strength to navigate these critical fixtures. Fans will be hoping for the team to overcome these challenges and deliver strong performances in the upcoming games.

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