In a tough break for South Africa, young pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a groin injury, and he will also miss the Champions Trophy. The 24-year-old, who had been in contention to replace the injured Anrich Nortje for the prestigious tournament, was forced to…
In a tough break for South Africa, young pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a groin injury, and he will also miss the Champions Trophy.
The 24-year-old, who had been in contention to replace the injured Anrich Nortje for the prestigious tournament, was forced to withdraw after experiencing groin tightness during a training session at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria. According to a CSA statement, Coetzee felt the issue while completing his 10 overs in practice on Wednesday morning. After further assessment, the medical team determined that increasing his bowling load in 50-over matches would pose a higher risk of further injury.
South Africa names six uncapped players in their initial squad for the tri-series.
This comes as another setback for Coetzee, who had only just returned to action following a left hamstring strain. His injury had kept him out for most of the SA20 competition, where he played just one match for the Joburg Super Kings. Coetzee had also missed the second Test against Sri Lanka and the series against Pakistan due to a previous groin issue.
Coetzee’s absence will be a blow for the Proteas as they gear up for the tri-series, but they are expected to announce a replacement for him soon.
South Africa’s squad for the tri-series opener against New Zealand on February 10 already includes six uncapped players. The final squad for the rest of the series will be named on February 9, following the SA20 final. Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen will join the squad ahead of their match against Pakistan on February 12.