In a crushing blow to South Africa, pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second Test match against Sri Lanka and the upcoming multi-format series against Pakistan. The massive setback comes in the wake of a groin injury to Coetzee. He sustined the injury while bowling on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durham. Kwena Maphaka will be replacing Coetzee in the squad. As for Maphaka, he made his debut in the T20Is against West Indies earlier this year.
“The 24-year-old experienced discomfort while bowling on day four of the first Test at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Results of the scan revealed a right groin muscle strain. His recovery period is estimated to be between four to six weeks,” Cricket South Africa stated on X.
The second Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka will be played between December 5 and 9. Later, they will host Pakistan for three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.