Gerald Coetzee ruled out of West Indies Tests; Uncapped pacer named replacement

The South African cricket team suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, set to be played in the Caribbean next month. Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that promising fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the red-ball series due to a left side strain.

Gerald Coetzee has been struggling with injuries this year. Coetzee missed the second Test against India earlier this year due to pelvic inflammation. The right arm pacer had a disappointing outing with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024. He took 13 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 10.18.

The young fast bowler then participated in the T20I series against the West Indies. He was included in South Africa's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. However, Coetzee did not feature in any matches in the World Cup, where South Africa lost to India in the final match.

The 23-year-old sustained a left-side strain while playing for the Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. He returned home to undergo medical assessments by the Proteas team. Coetzee was subsequently not cleared by the medical team to play in the red-ball series against the West Indies.

Migael Pretorius Named Gerald Coetzee's Replacement by Cricket South Africa

On July 25, Thursday, Cricket South Africa announced that Gerald Coetzee will not be part of the squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. Migael Pretorius, who last joined the Test squad in December 2020, has been named as Coetzee's replacement.

Pretorius has yet to make his debut for South Africa in international cricket. The 29-year-old fast bowler has been impressive in domestic cricket, taking 188 wickets in first-class matches at an average of 27.50. He secured 23 wickets in eight games for Somerset in the ongoing County Championship Division.

South Africa updated squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Migael Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne

The first Test between South Africa and the West Indies will start on August 7 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The second Test is scheduled for August 15 at Providence Stadium in Guyana.

Gerald Coetzee Made His Test Debut For South Africa In 2023

Gerald Coetzee made his Test debut during South Africa's series against the West Indies in early 2023. The young pacer took three wickets in his debut match in Centurion and secured six wickets in the second match of the series. South Africa registered a comfortable 2-0 victory over the West Indies in the series.

Coetzee last played for South Africa in the first Test match against India in December last year. He took only one wicket across two innings during the match. He was ruled out of the second Test due to pelvic inflammation. The Proteas drew the two-match series 1-1 despite winning the series opener in Centurion.

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