Gerald Coetzee to miss second Sri Lanka Test, Pakistan series

Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test and Pakistan Series Due to Injury

South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been sidelined from the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming all-format series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.

Coetzee sustained the injury while bowling on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Scans revealed a muscle strain in his right groin, ruling him out of action for approximately six weeks.

In his absence, fellow pacer Kwena Maphaka has been called up to the squad. Maphaka recently made his international debut in T20 cricket against the West Indies.

Coetzee had opened the bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada in the first Test, delivering a three-over spell in the morning session and a brief two-over second spell. He returned after lunch to bowl three more overs, claiming the wicket of Dinesh Chandimal with a caught-and-bowled effort. However, his injury forced him out of the game prematurely.

The Proteas are already grappling with injuries in their pace attack, as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder is also unavailable after fracturing his right middle finger during the same match.

South Africa will play the second Test against Sri Lanka at George’s Park from December 5 to 9, followed by a series against Pakistan featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.