Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out Of Second Test Against Sri Lanka And Pakistan Series Due To Groin Injury

Gerald Coetzee, a South African fast bowler, will miss the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Pakistan. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed his absence due to a groin injury on December 1.

Coetzee's injury is a setback for South Africa in their series against Sri Lanka. Earlier, Wiaan Mulder was also ruled out after fracturing his right middle finger. Matthew Breetzke has been named as Mulder's replacement for the second Test starting on December 5 in Gqeberha.

The Proteas have called up Kwena Maphaka to replace Coetzee for the second Test. Maphaka shone at the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup earlier this year, leading with 21 wickets in six matches. He has played three T20Is for South Africa, taking one wicket.

In the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25) cycle, Coetzee has participated in two Tests, claiming five wickets at an average of 37.40. During the first Test against Sri Lanka, he took two wickets in each innings.

South Africa achieved a commanding 233-run win in the first Test against Sri Lanka. This victory earned them crucial World Test Championship points, moving them to second place in the standings. Success in the next three matches, including two against Pakistan, would bolster their chances of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Coetzee felt discomfort while bowling on day four of South Africa's opening Test against Sri Lanka. Scans revealed a strain in his right groin muscle, with recovery expected to take 4-6 weeks.

Upcoming Matches and Replacements

South Africa has announced replacements for the second Test against Sri Lanka set to begin on December 5 in Gqeberha. The squads for the all-format home series against Pakistan will be revealed soon.

The squad for the second Test includes Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.