The Proteas’ bowling resources have suffered another setback as Gerald Coetzee, anticipated to replace Anrich Nortje in the Champions Trophy squad, was excluded from the Joburg Super Kings XI for their SA20 match against Pretoria Capitals. Coetzee is dealing with a hamstring issue, raising doubts about his availability for the remainder of the SA20. His fitness is being closely monitored.
Although no official reason was provided for his omission, Coetzee had recently returned from injury and was expected to feature on a pitch that suited his pace-bowling skills. He last played for JSK against Durban’s Super Giants, his first competitive outing since injuring his groin during the Test against Sri Lanka in Durban. Coetzee had also dealt with a hip issue earlier in the season and underwent a 12-week conditioning program.
After returning to fitness, Coetzee performed impressively in South Africa’s T20Is against India and made a notable impact in the first Test against Sri Lanka, taking 4 for 85. His SA20 return two days ago saw him claim 2 for 32 in three overs, highlighting his value to South Africa’s bowling attack.
South Africa’s white-ball coach and selector Rob Walter confirmed that Coetzee was in contention for a Champions Trophy spot but was initially omitted in favour of the more experienced Nortje. With Nortje sidelined due to a back injury, Coetzee remains the preferred replacement if fit. If Coetzee is unavailable, Walter will need to explore other options from the reserve pool.
Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder are already in the squad, but additional pace options are limited. Walter could consider 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka or Corbin Bosch, South Africa’s most recent ODI debutant, for their pace potential. Alternatively, death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman could be called upon, though injuries have significantly depleted South Africa’s fast-bowling reserves.
This summer, injuries have sidelined several seamers, including Nandre Burger (lower-back stress fracture), Lizaad Williams (knee surgery), and now Coetzee. Daryn Dupavillon, who was playing for Pretoria Capitals, has also been ruled out of the SA20 with a hamstring injury, adding to the challenges.
Dupavillon is the eighth seamer to suffer an injury this season, joining Ngidi (groin), Coetzee (hamstring), Mulder (broken finger), Nortje (toe and back), Williams, Baartman, and Burger. While some, like Ngidi and Mulder, have returned to action, the availability of others remains uncertain, leaving South Africa’s bowling depth under significant strain.
