South Africa’s Champions Trophy preparations have been dealt another blow as pace bowler Gerald Coetzee, tipped to replace the injured Anrich Nortje, finds himself sidelined from the Joburg Super Kings’ XI in the SA20 due to a hamstring concern.
Gerald Coetzee had only just returned to competitive cricket when featured in the Joburg Super Kings’ previous match against Durban’s Super Giants, marking his first outing since recovering from a groin injury sustained during the Test against Sri Lanka in Durban. Before that, the 23-year-old endured a string of injuries, including a hip niggle and a 12-week conditioning hiatus.
With Anrich Nortje ruled out due to a back injury, South Africa’s white-ball coach and sole selector Rob Walter must reassess his options. Gerald Coetzee was initially overlooked for the Champions Trophy in favor of the more experienced Nortje, but his fitness now becomes a critical factor as Walter scrambles to finalize the squad for Pakistan.
The Proteas’ bowling unit already boasts heavyweights like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Yet, the injuries have left glaring gaps in depth. Should Coetzee remain unavailable, Walter might have to turn to younger prospects like 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka or recent ODI debutant Corbin Bosch. Death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman also emerges as a viable candidate, provided he stays fit in a season plagued by injuries.
South Africa’s pace department has faced a torrid summer, with eight frontline seamers sidelined at various points due to injuries. The list includes Ngidi (groin), Mulder (broken finger), Nortje (toe and back), Coetzee (groin and now hamstring), Lizaad Williams (knee surgery), Daryn Dupavillon (hamstring), Ottneil Baartman, and Nandre Burger (stress fracture).
While some, like Ngidi and Mulder, have made their way back to the field, the absence of Nortje, Williams, Burger, and now potentially Coetzee leaves the Proteas’ pace battery dangerously thin.
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