South Africa's Gerald Coetzee ruled out of the upcoming away Test series against West Indies; Migael Pretorius named as his replacement
South Africa speedster Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. Fellow pacer Migael Pretorius replaces him for the series scheduled to begin on August 7.
Coetzee has had a year to forget so far as it has been riddled with injuries. He was ruled out of the second Test against India at the start of the year after developing a pelvic inflammation in the series opener. He then had a start-stop campaign for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 Indian Premier League, finishing with 10 appearances and 13 wickets at an economy of 10.18.
He then played the T20I series against the West Indies and made it to the South Africa squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, he failed to make it to the playing XI as the Proteas either preferred playing two spinners and if not, Ottneil Baartman was preferred.
His most recent appearance came during the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Texas Super Kings (TSK). However, he made only one appearance in the team's season opener before being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a left-side strain.
After assessment by the South African medical team, Coetzee is still not deemed fully fit to play a Test series, leading to a replacement being announced.
Pretorius is yet to make his international debut despite being handed his maiden call-up close to four years ago. He has been a consistent performer on the first-class circuit, taking 188 wickets at an average of 27.50.
He recently played for Somerset in the County Championship, picking up 23 wickets in eight matches to be his team's leading wicket-taker.
Coetzee's Test debut came against West Indies in 2023
The right-arm pacer's maiden Test appearance came in early 2023 when South Africa hosted West Indies in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He claimed three wickets in Centurion as the hosts won the contest by 87 runs. The debut performance was followed up with six wickets as the Proteas secured the series comfortably.
The first Test between South Africa and West Indies will begin on August 7 in Port of Spain. The second Test will take place at the Providence Stadium on August 15.
Updated South Africa squad for West Indies series
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Migael Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.