South Africa has suffered a major setback with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee sidelined from the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha and the upcoming series against Pakistan. Coetzee sustained a groin injury during the Durban Test and is expected to be out for approximately six weeks, as scans revealed a muscle strain in his right groin.
To fill the gap, Kwena Maphaka, who made his international debut earlier this year in the T20I series against West Indies, has been called up to the squad.
Coetzee's injury occurred while bowling on day four in Durban. Although he opened the day's bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada, his spell was cut short after just three overs. Returning for a two-over spell later in the morning session, he faced resistance from Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal, who mounted a resilient partnership. After lunch, Coetzee managed to dismiss Chandimal with a caught-and-bowled effort but couldn’t continue beyond three overs.
Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s head coach, revealed that Coetzee had mentioned feeling discomfort in his groin during the lunch break and attempted to bowl after receiving treatment. Despite his efforts, the injury worsened, ruling him out of future matches.
Coetzee’s absence adds to South Africa’s growing list of injuries. Wiaan Mulder, the fast-bowling all-rounder, is already out with a fractured finger, while Nandre Burger is sidelined for the season due to a back injury, and Lungi Ngidi won’t return until January. The remaining pace attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, who was the Player of the Match in Durban, and Dane Paterson.
South Africa is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the second Test at St. George’s Park from December 5 to 9. Following that, they will host Pakistan for a multi-format series, including three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.