Major blow for South Africa as key pacer ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Right-arm pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

PHOTO: AFP

South Africa has suffered another blow to their fast-bowling resources as right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, will now be without the 24-year-old fast bowler.

Earlier, pacer Anrich Nortje was ruled out due to a back injury, while other fast bowlers, including Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Daryn Dupavillon, and Ottneil Baartman, have also been sidelined with injuries recently, leaving South Africa's bowling attack severely depleted.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Coetzee, who had been named in the Proteas squad for their opening match of the tri-nation series against New Zealand, experienced groin tightness during training. The fast bowler was assessed by the team’s medical staff, who determined that the injury posed a risk of a more serious problem, especially considering the increased workload required during the 50-over format.

"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," CSA stated in a release.

"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," CSA added in a release.

"As a result, Coetzee will not be available for selection for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025," CSA concluded in a release.

Reports suggest that young fast-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch and right-arm pacer Lutho Sipamla are among the leading candidates to replace Coetzee in the eight-team tournament.

South Africa Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

South Africa's Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule: