Injury rules Gerald Coetzee out of Test series against West Indies. The South African cricket team has been dealt a blow ahead of their crucial Test series against the West Indies. Coetzee, a key fast bowler, who recently participated in an American T20 league Major League Cricket 2024, has been sidelined due to a side strain.
The player, who was set to play a significant role in the upcoming series, returned home for medical assessment following his stint in the USA. Unfortunately, team doctors have not cleared him for the Tests, leaving a gap in South Africa’s bowling attack.
Coetzee played in the MLC with the Texas Super Kings, has returned to South Africa to have his injured left side evaluated by the national medical team. Cricket South Africa announced on Thursday that he has not been cleared to participate in the Test series starting on August 7.
Selectors choose Migael Pretorius to fill in the gap
In response, selectors have turned to a promising uncapped player to fill the void. The newcomer, while lacking Test experience, brings a wealth of first-class cricket knowledge to the squad. Migael has played over 60 matches at that level.
The two-Test series, slated to begin in early August, will now see a slightly altered South African lineup. The team aims to overcome this unexpected challenge of Coetzee’s injury. Cricket fans will be eager to see how the team adapts to these last-minute changes.
Pretorius last joined a South Africa squad in March 2021 for a T20I series against Pakistan but did not play. He also missed a Test debut in December 2020 due to a shoulder injury. At 29, he has taken 188 wickets in 64 first-class matches. He currently leads Somerset in the English County Championship with 23 wickets, though his average is 39.43.
South Africa will start their Test series in Port-of-Spain before moving to Providence for the second Test. The series will be followed by three T20Is scheduled from August 24 to 28.
Here’s South Africa’s new Test squad
Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, Migael Pretorius.
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