South Africa hit hard as Gerald Coetzee sidelined with injury
The South Africa National Cricket Team has suffered a major blow ahead of the Tri-nation ODI series against Pakistan and New Zealand and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa is set to travel to Pakistan to play a four-match tri-nation ODI series but is hit with a massive blow even before the start of the series on February 8.
The Proteas side has already lost their premier pacer, Anrich Nortje, and now they are hit with another huge blow in the form of the fast bowler Gerald Coetzee weeks before the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan.
Gerald Coetzee ruled out of Tri-Nation ODI Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Actually, Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of both the upcoming Trination ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a groin injury. On Thursday, February 6, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Coetzee experienced tightness in his groin while bowling at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria during a training session on Wednesday (February 5).
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However, the South African fast bowler had completed his 10 overs. Well, after a medical assessment, the CSA and the team management have found out that playing in 50-over matches would increase Coetzee’s risk of a serious injury, ruling him out of the upcoming assignments.
The CSA said in an official media release, “Gerald Coetzee experienced tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria. Following further assessment by the Proteas medical team, it was determined that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load required for the upcoming 50-over matches.”
Groin issues continue to trouble Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee was expected to step in for the injured Anrich Nortje at the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. However, this latest injury has dashed his hopes as Corbin Bosch and Lutho Sipamla are the frontrunners to replace him in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming tournament.
The fresh setback comes just after Coetzee’s recovery from a left hamstring strain that kept him out of most of the SA20 2025, where he managed to play only one game for Joburg Super Kings (JSK). He also missed a Test against Sri Lanka and the series against Pakistan due to previous groin issues.
Earlier, South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, announced a 12-member squad for the opening match of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand in Lahore on February 10. Gerald Coetzee was named in the squad despite his recent injury concerns, along with six uncapped players.
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Big South African stars set to miss Tri-Nation ODI Series ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
However, the international stars will return for the remaining matches as CSA is set to name the full squad on February 9 after the SA20 2025 final. The upcoming tri-nation ODI series is very important for all three teams to give the final touch to their preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Notably, South Africa’s key cricket players, like Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen, will not be available for the tri-nation ODI series featuring New Zealand and Pakistan.
They are scheduled to leave for Pakistan on February 14, while Captain Temba Bavuma and the 11 players selected for the first ODI departed for Lahore on Wednesday evening, along with the support staff.
South Africa squad for the first ODI of the Tri-nation Series:
Temba Bavuma (C), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne.
