Gerald Coetzee hands South Africa their biggest roadblock for WTC Final Qualification

South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second and final Test match of the series against Sri Lanka at home. Left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been added to the squad for the upcoming match, which is scheduled to begin on December 5 at St. George's Park in Gqeberha.

The 24-year-old speedster sustained a right groin muscle strain during the recent first Test match against Sri Lanka in Durban. This injury will keep him out for the rest of the summer. Coetzee will also miss South Africa's upcoming all-format series against Pakistan from December 10 to January 7 at home.

Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of Second Test vs Sri Lanka and All-Format Series vs Pakistan

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has released a statement confirming that Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Test against Sri Lanka due to a right groin muscle strain. The board also stated that he will not be part of the squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan.

"Proteas Men's fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming all-format tour against Pakistan due to a groin injury," read the statement from Cricket South Africa.

PLAYER UPDATE 🗞️

Proteas Men’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming all-format tour against Pakistan due to a groin injury.

The 24-year-old experienced discomfort while bowling on day four of the first Test at… pic.twitter.com/89g2ivD5Oy

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 1, 2024

Gerald Coetzee could miss the start of the SA20 league, which begins on January 9, 2024. Coetzee is part of the Joburg Super Kings squad, and their opening match against MI Cape Town is scheduled for January 11.

Kwena Maphaka Has Been Added To The Squad - Cricket South Africa

CSA stated that Coetzee felt discomfort while bowling on day four of the first Test in Durban. Scans revealed the injury, and his recovery is expected to take four to six weeks. CSA has called up uncapped pacer Kwena Maphaka for the second Test in Gqeberha.

"The 24-year-old experienced discomfort while bowling on day four of the first Test at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Saturday. The results of the scan revealed a right groin muscle strain. His recovery period is estimated to be between four to six weeks."

"Uncapped DP World Lions fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been added to the squad," the statement added.

Kwena Maphaka made his international debut during the T20I series against the West Indies in August, after impressing in the U19 World Cup. The left-arm pacer has played three first-class matches since his debut in June 2023. He has taken 13 wickets at an average of 20.92 in his brief red-ball career.

Gerald Coetzee Picked Up Four Wickets Across Two Innings in Durban

In the opening Test match in Durban, Coetzee took 4 wickets for 85 runs. He dismissed Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dinesh Chandimal. Marco Jansen secured 11 wickets, including seven in the first innings.

Skipper Temba Bavuma registered scores of 70 runs and 113 runs. South Africa won by 233 runs, taking a 1-0 series lead. They moved up to second in the World Test Championship standings, improving their chances of reaching the final.

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