In a significant setback for South Africa, fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy. He was initially expected to step in for senior pacer Anrich Nortje, who had been sidelined with a back issue.
However, Coetzee experienced groin tightness while bowling at South Africa’s Centre of Excellence in Pretoria on February 5, forcing him out of action. He had already been ruled out of the ongoing SA20 due to a hamstring injury, but was expected to be fit for the Champions Trophy, starting February 19.
He had even been included in South Africa’s squad for the first match of the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Now, it appears that Coetzee will be unavailable for some time, with a possible return closer to the IPL, where he is part of the Gujarat Titans squad.
“Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and New Zealand,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a release on Wednesday. “The 24-year-old experienced tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training on Wednesday morning 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. A replacement will be announced in due course. Coetzee will not be considered for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”
Corbin Bosch and Lutho Sipamla Lead Contenders for South Africa’s Champions Trophy Squad
With both Nortje and Coetzee unavailable, Corbin Bosch and Lutho Sipamla are emerging as the top contenders to join South Africa’s squad for the Champions Trophy. Bosch, who has yet to make his international debut, has caught attention with strong performances in the SA20, taking nine wickets in his last four matches.
Sipamla, on the other hand, has played five ODIs and 11 T20Is, claiming two and six wickets respectively. Bosch is also set to feature in the ODI against New Zealand, alongside other promising uncapped players like Gideon Peters. This series will be the Proteas’ final bilateral series before the Champions Trophy.
South Africa squad for Champions Trophy: Temba Bavuma (captain), Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, David Miller, Anrich Nortje (to be replaced), Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
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