Gerald Coetzee Ruled Out of West Indies Test Series Due to Injury
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss South Africa’s upcoming Test series against the West Indies after sustaining a side strain while playing in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA.
Coetzee, who was representing the Texas Super Kings, returned home for medical evaluation by the Proteas’ medical staff. After examination, it was confirmed that he would be unable to participate in the Test series, which begins on August 7, according to Cricket South Africa.
In Coetzee’s place, uncapped quick Migael Pretorius has been called up. Pretorius, who has experience in 64 first-class games, brings a wealth of domestic experience to the squad.
Pretorius was previously selected for the Proteas in March 2021 for a T20I series against Pakistan, but he did not receive a cap. He was also called up for a Test series against Sri Lanka in December 2020 but was unable to debut due to a shoulder injury.
The 29-year-old Pretorius has taken 188 wickets at an average of 27.50 in his first-class career. This season, he has been leading Somerset in the English County Championship, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 39.43.
The Proteas will commence the Test series in Port-of-Spain before moving to Providence for the second Test, followed by three T20Is.
