South Africa stare at another potential injury setback for Champions Trophy

The 24-year-old pacer is in doubt for the next few weeks

By Web Desk
January 17, 2025
South Africa's Gerald Coetzee (centre) celebrates with teammates during ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Netherlands on October 17, 2023. — AFP

South Africa have endured another setback to their fast-bowling stocks as right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee has suffered a hamstring ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.

According to a report, Coetzee, who was expected to replace Anrich Nortje in South Africa’s squad for the eight-team tournament, was left out of the Joburg Super King’s playing XI for their SA20 match against Pretoria Capitals due to a hamstring issue.

As a result, the 24-year-old is in doubt for the next few weeks, while his fitness is being closely monitored.

Notably, Coetzee is the eighth South African pacer to be injured this summer, joining Lungi Ngidi, Daryn Dupavillon, Wiaan Mulder, Nortje, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman and Nandre Burger in the unwanted list.

For the unversed, if Gerald Coetzee fails to recover in time for the eight-team tournament, South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter, who is also the sole selector, may opt for 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka or fast-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch.

South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa Champions Trophy Schedule:

21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

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