Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee pelvic inflammation has ruled him out of South Africa’s preparations for the second Test against India in Cape Town, a major blow. He felt uneasy in the second innings of the first Test match between India and South Africa in Centurion, and scans later indicated the severity of his ailment. This setback has kept him out of the next game, even though he had a difficult performance in the first Test, taking just one wicket and being South Africa’s most costly bowler.
In his third Test match since making his debut against the West Indies earlier this year, the youthful bowler was limited to just five overs in India’s second innings before he was removed from the game. Conrad Shukri, the head coach of South Africa, removed him from the team in an attempt to exercise caution. The squad does not yet have a designated replacement due to this absence as they get ready to play India in the second Test, which begins on January 3.
COETZEE RULED OUT OF NEW YEAR’S TEST AGAINST INDIA 🇿🇦🇮🇳
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Betway Test against India after developing pelvic inflammation during the first Test at SuperSport Park. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/MLHKRw86OK
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 30, 2023
Due to hamstring problems sustained by skipper Temba Bavuma during the opening Test match against India, South Africa’s injury list is getting longer. For the upcoming game, Bavuma will be standing alongside Gerald Coetzee on the sidelines. Due to pelvic inflammation, Coetzee is out of the picture; therefore, South Africa’s fast-bowling options now include Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, though Ngidi’s fitness is still a question. Depending on the circumstances of the game, the team also takes Keshav Maharaj’s spin option into consideration.
Gerald Coetzee extraordinary visits to white balls
With three Test matches under his belt and 10 wickets at an average of 24.50, the 23-year-old wonder is off to a bright start in the sport. He demonstrated his abilities during South Africa’s ODI World Cup campaign in India, so his influence extended beyond the longest format. His remarkable achievement of taking 20 wickets at an excellent average of 19.80 in just eight matches made him a star performer and helped propel his team into the semifinals.
His outstanding performances were noticed, and he was offered a lucrative Rs. 5 crore IPL contract by the Mumbai Indians. With Coetzee joining the Mumbai Indians, the bowling arsenal of the squad will gain depth as he pairs with Jasprit Bumrah. In an attempt to win the championship back following their victory in 2020, the team is counting on Coetzee’s skill to help them in the next season.