New Delhi: South Africa pace bowler Gerald Coetzee is reportedly said to be injured and now remains doubtful over his participation in the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha, starting on December 5. The Titans speedster is said to have endured issues with his groin.
Coetzee claimed a collective four wickets in the first Test in Durban as South Africa trounced Sri Lanka by 233 runs to take a 1-0 lead and moved to the second spot of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle. He picked the crucial wicket of Dinesh Chandimal, taking a return catch off his own bowling, to break the 75-run partnership between the veteran Sri Lankan player and Kusal Mendis for the seventh wicket.
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad informed the reporters in the post-match press conference that Coetzee was in pain and will undergo scans before they come to a conclusion over his selection.
“We chatted at lunch, and he said he (Gerald Coetzee) felt his groin a little bit. Sizwe [Hadebe, the team’s physiotherapist] treated him and strapped it,” Conrad was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“We said go out and have a bowl, and let’s see how it reacts. He will have a scan tomorrow, and then we’ll know more,” he added.
Who can replace Gerald Coetzee in Proteas squad?
Coetzee’s injury can unbalance the squad given that South Africa pacers Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger are already recovering from their respective groin and lumbar injuries. Warriors right-arm pacer Dane Paterson, who played in the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram, is the only option available to replace Coetzee in case the injury is confirmed. The South African management can also look from the domestic circuit for alternatives.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen registered figures of 11 for 86 to bundle up Sri Lanka for 42 and 282 in both innings, respectively, to inspire the hosts to a commanding win despite putting up a mediocre 191 in the first innings on the second day. Senior pacer Kagiso Rabada picked up three scalps in the game, including 2 for 65 in the second innings.
Gerald Coetzee claimed a collective four wickets in the first Test in Durban as South Africa trounced Sri Lanka by 233 runs. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
