South Africa faces more injury setbacks before Pakistan series

South Africa’s fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will be sidelined for the second Test against Sri Lanka and the upcoming series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.

Coetzee suffered the injury to his right groin while bowling in the Durban Test and is expected to be out for up to six weeks. Scans confirmed that he has a muscle strain, which will keep him out of action for a significant period.

Coetzee was in discomfort after bowling a few overs on the fourth day of the Durban Test. Despite receiving treatment, he could not continue bowling but still managed to take a crucial wicket by dismissing Dinesh Chandimal with a caught-and-bowled after lunch.

To replace Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut earlier this year against the West Indies, has been called up to the squad.

This injury adds to South Africa’s growing list of unavailable players, including Wiaan Mulder, who is out due to a fractured finger.

Additionally, Nandre Burger is out for the season with a lower back stress fracture, and Lungi Ngidi won’t return until January.

However, South Africa will have Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, both fit and available, to play in the second Test, which begins on December 5 at St George’s Park.

After the Sri Lanka Test, South Africa will host Pakistan for three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, making these upcoming matches crucial for the team despite the injuries.

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