South Africa face another injury crisis ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Coetzee replaced injured Anrich Nortje in South Africa's Champions Trophy squad

By Web Desk
January 19, 2025
South African pacer Gerald Coetzee celebrates with team during 2023 ODI World Cup match against Australia in Kolkata on November 16, 2023. - AFP

The South African cricket team is grappling with an injury crisis as pacer Gerald Coetzee has sustained a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the remainder of the SA20, the country’s premier T20 competition.

This development casts doubt on his participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, although Cricket South Africa (CSA) maintains that he remains in "contention."

Coetzee was initially named as Anrich Nortje’s replacement in South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad after Nortje suffered a back injury earlier this week.

He has already missed the Paarl Royals’ SA20 match against MI Cape Town on Wednesday, with CSA fearing his absence could extend significantly.

In a statement, CSA provided an update on Coetzee’s condition:

“Proteas Men’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who will miss the remainder of the Betway SA20 due to a left hamstring strain, remains in contention for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Coetzee will be closely monitored by the Proteas medical team, with a decision on his inclusion to be made within the first week of February."

South Africa’s first match in the Champions Trophy is scheduled against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. The deadline for submitting the final squads to the ICC is February 11, leaving little room for uncertainty regarding player fitness.

Coetzee’s recovery timeline hinges on the severity of his hamstring injury, which could range from days to months.

The pacer had been viewed as a natural replacement for Nortje in the Champions Trophy squad, given his strong performances in the 2023 World Cup.

Reflecting on Coetzee’s potential, head coach Rob Walter previously stated:

“Gerald Coetzee played very well in the 2023 World Cup, but it was between him and Anrich Nortje. They offer high pace, both of them. Anrich has more experience and attributes that will stand us in good stead in Pakistan. Gerald has done nothing wrong to not be selected."

South Africa’s fast-bowling lineup has been plagued by injuries throughout the season. In addition to Nortje and Coetzee, several bowlers, including Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Daryn Dupavillon, Wiaan Mulder and Ottneil Baartman, have faced various fitness issues in recent months.

For the unversed, the South African squad will open their Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan next month, with fixtures against Afghanistan on February 21, Australia on February 25 and England on March 1.

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, Anrich Nortje, 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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