Massive blow to South Africa as Gerald Coetzee gets ruled out of remainder of SL series and PAK series

Gerald Coetzee took four wickets in the first test against Sri Lanka.

South Africa began their home test series against Sri Lanka with a comfortable 233-run victory in Durban. The hosts now lead the two-match series 1-0. The historic Durban test saw South Africa bundle out the visitors for their lowest-ever test total of 42 runs in their first innings.

The South African pace trio of Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada dominated proceedings for the hosts, collectively claiming 18 wickets in the match. After their success in the first game, the Proteas received a major setback with the injury of speedster Gerald Coetzee.

Gerald Coetzee ruled out of second test vs Sri Lanka and all matches vs Pakistan

The 23-year-old pacer sustained a muscle strain in his right groin during the fourth day of the Durban test. Scans following his injury confirmed that Coetzee will be sidelined for up to six weeks, ruling him out of the second test against Sri Lanka at St. George’s Park and the subsequent all-format series against Pakistan.

The Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad revealed that Coetzee first complained of a groin niggle during the lunch break on Day 4. However, the speedster returned to the field later and even dismissed Dinesh Chandimal in the post-lunch session.

To replace Coetzee, South Africa have called up young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who made his international debut earlier this year against West Indies.

Coetzee’s injury adds to South Africa’s long injury list. The Proteas are already without allrounder Wiaan Mulder and pacer Nandre Burger, both sidelined due to injuries sustained earlier. Furthermore, experienced fast bowler Lungi Ngidi remains unavailable until January.

South Africa will rely on Rabada, Jansen and Dane Paterson as their primary pace bowling options for the second test against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will hope for a better batting performance against the depleted bowling attack of the hosts.

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