Pacer ruled out as South Africa name squad for tri-series opener in Pakistan
The Proteas have announced squad for the first ODI of the tri-series involving hosts Pakistan and New Zealand ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of South Africa's squad for their tri-series opener against New Zealand on February 10 in Lahore and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach, originally named a 12-player squad for the first match of the series, including Coetzee, who had recovered from a left injury setback.
But the fast bowler pulled up sore following a training session later in the day and was ruled out of a return.
"Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and New Zealand," South Africa confirmed via a release.
"The 24-year-old experienced tightness in his groin while completing his 10 overs at training on Wednesday morning at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria.
"Following further assessment by the Proteas medical team, it was determined that the symptoms posed an increased risk of significant injury at a higher bowling load required for the upcoming 50-over matches.
"A replacement will be announced in due course.
"Coetzee will not be considered for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025."
Every Gerald Coetzee wicket from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup | CWC23
For the opening match of the ODI tri-series, South Africa also have an array of new options to look at with six uncapped players also added in the Temba Bavuma-led side.
Meeka-eel Prince, Gideon Peters, Eathan Bosch, and Mihali Mpongwana are all uncapped at the international level so far, while Matthew Breetzke has already featured in Tests and T20Is, and Senuran Muthusamy has played four Tests for the Proteas.
The squad will be updated for the remainder of the series following the conclusion of the ongoing SA20 league in South Africa, with players like Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen set to be available from the second game of the series.
The tri-series in Pakistan comes as a precursor to the ICC Champions Trophy which begins February 19.
South Africa squad (For first ODI):
Temba Bavuma (capt), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne
