The former Knights player Coetzee sustained a groin injury during the Durban Test, and scans have confirmed a muscle strain in his right groin, which will keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

To replace Coetzee, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been called into the squad. Maphaka, who made his international debut earlier this year in the T20Is against the West Indies, will bolster South Africa’s pace options.

Gerald Coetzee. Photo: Cricinfo

The 18-year-old returns to the national side after recently completing his matric finals.

Coetzee suffered the injury on day four of the 1st Test while bowling in the morning session alongside Kagiso Rabada. After an initial three-over spell, he managed only two overs in his second stint, as Sri Lankan batters Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal mounted a determined resistance. Despite the setback, Coetzee dismissed Chandimal caught and bowled in a brief post-lunch spell but did not bowl further.

Kwena Maphaka. Photo: Cricinfo

South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, revealed that Coetzee had informed him of discomfort during lunch. “He mentioned a groin niggle and returned after the break, strapped up,” Conrad explained.

Coetzee’s injury compounds South Africa’s existing challenges, with allrounder Wiaan Mulder already out due to a fractured right middle finger. The pace attack for the 2nd Test will rely on Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson, who are part of the squad. However, options are limited with Nandré Burger ruled out for the summer due to a back stress fracture, and Lungi Ngidi unavailable until January.

The 2nd Test at St George’s Park is scheduled to get underway at 10:30 on Thursday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg