South Africa’s injury woes deepen, speedster in doubt for second Test

Monday, 2 December 2024 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

South Africa were dealt another injury blow following their win against Sri Lanka in Durban as pacer Gerald Coetzee sustained a groin niggle on Day 4.

The blow comes after all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was already deemed out for the remainder of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a fractured right middle finger.

Addressing the injury issues, skipper Temba Bavuma said, “Wiaan is out of the series, [and] we have to find a replacement. [For] Gerald Coetzee, the medical team will have do to their best.”

During the first innings, Mulder was struck on the lower hand while batting and subsequent X-rays confirmed the fracture. Mulder remained unbeaten on 9 in his side’s 191.

Batter Matthew Breetzke, who made his Test debut against Bangladesh last month, has been named as Mulder’s replacement for the second match, scheduled from 5 to 9 December at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha.

An underwhelming batting performance from the visitors has South Africa in pole position in the first Test, after Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 42 in their first innings, courtesy of a cracking seven-wicket haul from Marco Jansen.

Both teams remain in the race to make it to the WTC Final in June. While South Africa need a clean sweep at home to increase their chances, the visitors will have to grab at least a game in the two-match Test series to boost their own chances of making it to the Lord’s.