South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee ruled out of second Sri Lanka test, Pakistan series due to groin injury

South African pacer Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Test against Sri Lanka and the home series against Pakistan after scans confirmed a strain in his right groin muscle. The injury, sustained while bowling on the fourth day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, requires a recovery period of 4-6 weeks, as announced by the ICC.

Also See: Sri Lanka tour of South Africa Series Schedule, Upcoming Matches and Dates

To cover for Coetzee, South Africa has called up Kwena Maphaka for the second Test. Maphaka, a standout performer at this year’s U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 21 dismissals in just six matches. The young bowler has also represented South Africa in three T20Is, claiming one wicket.

Coetzee’s absence comes as South Africa eyes a strong performance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25) cycle. The pacer has played two Tests so far in the cycle, taking five wickets at an average of 37.40, including two wickets in each innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

South Africa started the Sri Lanka series with a commanding 233-run victory in the opening Test, earning crucial WTC points that boosted them to second place in the standings. A continued winning streak in the next three matches, including two against Pakistan, will solidify their chances of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.

Also See: Pakistan tour of South Africa, 2024 -25 Series Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Dates, Timing and Venues

The Proteas have also faced another setback, with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder ruled out of the Sri Lanka series due to a fractured right middle finger. Matthew Breetzke has been named as his replacement for the second Test, scheduled to begin on December 5 in Gqeberha.

With Coetzee sidelined, South Africa will rely on its bench strength to maintain momentum as they pursue critical victories in their WTC campaign.

South Africa squad for the 2nd Test: 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, Kyle Verreynne.