Gerald Coetzee (Source: @dhillow_/X.com)
In what comes as shocking news for cricket fans in South Africa, the Proteas side, after announcing pacer Gerald Coetzee in the squad for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, have now reported that he will no longer be a part of the series, hence ruling him out of the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. This news comes hours after the board announced the squad for the tri-series.
Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out Of Tri-Series And Champions Trophy
Right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, who has been one of the finest pacers for the Proteas in recent times, faced a left hamstring strain during the Sri Lanka Test series, where he was ruled out for some period of time. However, he made his return for Joburg Super Kings in the ongoing SA20 League but, unfortunately, could feature for them in just one game, after which he was also ruled out of the SA20 as well.
"Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and New Zealand."
Nonetheless, he made his recovery on time and was included in the squad for the tri-series, where they are scheduled to take New Zealand on February 10th in Lahore, right before the Champions Trophy.
However, all of a sudden, the South African side have decided that he will no longer take part in the tri-nation series and, hence, will focus on his recovery. This was discovered when he was completing his training at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, as the 24-year-old experienced tightness in his groin.
.jpg?type=mq)
Adding to this, the medical team of the South African side examined him properly and assessed that he would be at increased risk of injury, especially when he will be bowling in the 50-over matches, so therefore they have decided to keep him out.
SA, meanwhile, have also announced that his replacement will be announced in due course. Moreover, Coetzee will also not be a part of the Champions Trophy squad for South Africa. In fact, he was set to replace Anrich Nortje in the squad, who was ruled out of the tournament after facing an injury, but now, it has been confirmed that both Nortje and Coetzee will not be a part of the 15-man side.
To the unversed, South Africa announced a 12-member squad for the first game of the tri-series against New Zealand, and it features six uncapped players who will all be part of the game. More players will be announced once the eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings concludes on February 5th in the SA20.
South Africa To Begin Their Champions Trophy Campaign On 21st February
Additionally, the tri-series involving Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand will be beginning on the 8th of February in Lahore, whereas it will conclude on the 14th of February with the final in Karachi.
Five days after which, the 8-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see the daylight in the same National Stadium in Karachi with Pakistan and New Zealand's game. Whereas South Africa will play their first fixture against Afghanistan on the 21st of February.
.jpg?type=mq "IND vs ENG Head To Head")
.jpg?type=mq?im=Resize=(250, 250) "Arnav Chopra")
