Ahead of the upcoming New Year’s Test between South Africa and India at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3rd to 7th, South Africa encountered a setback. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee won’t be playing due to pelvic inflammation that surfaced during the first Test.
Australia vs Pakistan: Aus beat Pak in Second Test, Securing Series
Coetzee’s condition worsened as the match progressed while bowling on the third day. Scans conducted on Friday, December 29, unveiled the extent of his injury. Head coach Shukri Conrad opted to release Coetzee from the squad as a precautionary measure, without naming a replacement.
South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0, securing a commanding win at Centurion by an innings and 32 runs. The team tops the WTC 2023-25 standings with a flawless 100% points percentage. In contrast, India penalized two WTC points for falling short by two overs in the first Test and currently holds the sixth position with a points percentage of 38.89%.
During the initial match, South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, withdrew after injuring his left hamstring on the first morning. Coach Shukri Conrad confirmed Bavuma’s absence in the second Test. Consequently, former captain Elgar, who took over after Bavuma’s injury, will lead the team in Cape Town.
The squad for the second Test includes
- Dean Elgar (c)
- David Bedingham
- Nandre Burger
- Tony de Zorzi
- Zubayr Hamza
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lungi Ngidi
- Keegan Petersen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne