South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the rest of the ongoing SA20 tournament with a left hamstring strain. However, Coetzee is still being considered for selection for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan and Dubai.
Coetzee has just returned from injury to play his first competitive game for the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) against Durban’s Super Giants, following a groin injury during the Test series against Sri Lanka. He took two wickets for 32 runs in three overs before being dropped from the JSK XI for the next match.
Gerald Coetzee ruled out of SA20 after suffering left hamstring strain
Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the SA20 after suffering a strained left hamstring. The Joburg Super Kings have announced that he will undergo medical evaluations and rehabilitation. In a statement on Instagram, they expressed good wishes for a speedy recovery.
“Joburg Super Kings fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has suffered a strained left hamstring and will therefore not take part in the Betway SA20. He will undergo further medical assessments and rehabilitation. We are sending all positive vibes and wish him a speedy recovery! ⚡💛,” the statement read.
Gerald Coetzee is expected to replace the injured Anrich Nortje in the Champions Trophy squad
South Africa are facing several injury challenges, with many key players out. Gerald Coetzee has been considered as a replacement for the injured Anrich Nortje for the Champions Trophy. Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder are back in the squad, but the team’s options are becoming more limited.
Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams have not been included in the Proteas squad for the main tournament. Burger is dealing with a broken lower back, while Williams is recovering from a knee injury.
South Africa’s campaign against Afghanistan begins on February 21
The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9. Pakistan will host the tournament in three places: Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, while India will play its matches in Dubai.
Eight nations will participate in the tournament, divided into two groups of four. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Afghanistan and Australia.
South Africa’s campaign begins on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, followed by a match against Australia on February 25 in Rawalpindi. They will conclude the group stage against England on March 1 in Karachi. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, and the final for March 9.
South Africa won the first ICC Champions Trophy in 1998 in Bangladesh. This remains their only win at an ICC event in any format. South Africa beat West Indies by four wickets in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.
