South African pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Pakistan due to a groin injury, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Sunday, December 1. Coetzee, who had been a key figure in the South African bowling attack, felt discomfort while bowling on the fourth day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Scans revealed a strain in his right groin muscle, with an estimated recovery period of 4-6 weeks, which means he will miss the second Test and the entire home series against Pakistan.
To replace Coetzee, CSA has called up Kwena Maphaka, the young fast bowler who gained significant attention after an outstanding performance in the 2024 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup. Maphaka finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 21 dismissals in just six matches, showcasing his potential and skill. He has also represented South Africa in three T20 Internationals, claiming one wicket. Maphaka will join the Proteas squad for the second Test, starting on December 5 in Gqeberha.
Coetzee’s injury comes as a further blow to the South African side, already dealing with the absence of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series after fracturing his right middle finger. Mulder’s replacement, Matthew Breetzke, was named ahead of the second Test, scheduled to begin on December 5. South Africa's injury issues have left the team reshuffling its lineup for the upcoming matches.
Despite these setbacks, South Africa managed to secure a dominant 233-run victory in the opening Test against Sri Lanka, which earned them vital points in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The win elevated them to second place in the standings, a crucial position as they aim to reach the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's. With three more matches remaining in the series, including two against Pakistan, the Proteas are keen to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the race for the WTC Final.
The squad named for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha, which begins on December 5, includes:
Temba Bavuma (captain)
David Bedingham
Matthew Breetzke
Tony de Zorzi
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj
Kwena Maphaka
Aiden Markram
Senuran Muthusamy
Dane Paterson
Kagiso Rabada
Tristan Stubbs
Ryan Rickelton
Kyle Verreynne
The selectors will also announce the squad for the all-format home series against Pakistan in the coming weeks. With a challenging road ahead, the Proteas will be hoping for a strong and injury-free performance in the next series to further cement their place in the World Test Championship race.
