South Africa Star Pacer Gerald Coetzee Out Of 2nd Test vs India

South Africa suffered a setback ahead of the New Year’s Test against India in Cape Town on January 3 as their pace brigade will not have Gerald Coetzee in the second Test.

“Proteas and Momentum Multiply Titans fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Betway Test against India after developing pelvic inflammation during the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The 23-year-old experienced discomfort in his pelvis, which got progressively worse while bowling on day three of the match. He underwent scans on Friday which revealed the extent of the injury,” Cricket South Africa said in a release.

“Head coach Shukri Conrad has opted to release Coetzee from the squad as a precautionary measure. No replacement has been named,” the release added.

Dean Elgar, who will retire at the end of the ongoing Test series against India, will lead the South African team in the second Test. Due to injury Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the final Test of the series against India, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said after the first Test.

In his absence, Elgar will captain the side in the final match of his international career, having announced his decision to retire before the series. After Bavuma went off the field during the first Test, Elgar assumed the role of the captain in South Africa’s win by an innings and 32 runs at SuperSport Park.

Zubayr Hamza will replace Bavuma in the squad for the final Test to be played in at Cape Town from January 3.