The 24-year-old is a doubt for the second game of the series.
During the recently concluded SA vs SL first test match, a newly acquired Gujarat Titans (GT) star participating in the contest suffered an injury.
Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee was acquired from GT during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction for a price of INR 2.4 crore but will now be forced to stay on the sidelines after of suffering a groin injury.
The 24-year-old is now a doubt for the second match of the series, which is scheduled to start on December 5. Tomorrow (December 1) he will undergo scans to understand the extent of his injury.
Coetzee opened the bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada in the morning session on Day 4, but completed just one three-over spell before taking a break. Their second spell was limited to just two overs as Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal mounted a strong resistance for Sri Lanka, who had started the day in a precarious position with five wickets down and facing the prospect of a heavy defeat.
Gerald Coetzee did not bowl again before lunch but resumed bowling afterwards, bowling a three-over spell in which he dismissed Chandimal with a caught and bowled effort.
South Africa fast bowling in crisis after Gerald Coetzee injury
South Africa face a challenge ahead of the second Test as Gerald Coetzee’s absence adds to their concerns. Fast bowler Wiaan Mulder is also sidelined due to a fractured right middle finger and has been ruled out of the match scheduled for December 5 in Gqeberha.
Among the three pacers who participated in the Durban test, Kagiso Rabada and player of the match Marco Jansen remain available, while Dane Paterson is the other quick in the team.
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Finding a replacement fast bowler could be problematic, however, with Nandre Burger out for the season with a stress fracture in his lower back and Lungi Ngidi unavailable until January.
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