South Africa's Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka And Pakistan Home Series Due to Injury

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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 experienced discomfort while bowling on the fourth day of South Africa's opening Test against Sri Lanka. Scans confirmed a strain in his right groin muscle, with an estimated recovery period of 4-6 weeks.

The Proteas have called up Kwena Maphaka as Coetzee's replacement for the second Test. Maphaka, who excelled at the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup earlier this year, led the tournament's wicket-taking charts with 21 dismissals in just six matches. Maphaka has represented South Africa in three T20Is, claiming one wicket.

In the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25) cycle, Coetzee has played two Tests, taking five wickets at an average of 37.40. In the opening Test against Sri Lanka, he secured two wickets in each innings.

Coetzee's injury comes as a second blow to South Africa during the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Earlier, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series after fracturing his right middle finger. Matthew Breetzke was named as his replacement for the second Test, which begins on December 5 in Gqeberha.

South Africa secured a dominant 233-run victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka, earning vital World Test Championship points that elevated them to second place in the standings. A successful run in the next three matches, including two against Pakistan, would strengthen their bid to reach the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

As it stands, South Africa has named replacements for the second Test against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on December 5 in Gqeberha, while the squads for the all-format home series against Pakistan will be announced in the coming weeks.

South Africa squad for the 2nd Test vs Sri Lanka

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.