Windhoek, Namibia: South Africa’s upcoming tour of Pakistan has encountered a setback with pacer Gerald Coetzee sustaining a pectoral muscle injury during the one-off T20I against Namibia in Windhoek. The 23-year-old fast bowler exited the field after bowling just 1.3 overs, which included four wides, and reportedly displayed visible discomfort on a delivery that caused the injury.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Coetzee would not continue in the match and will undergo a comprehensive assessment upon his return to South Africa. His availability for the white-ball segment of the Pakistan tour, which includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals starting in late October, is now uncertain.
This injury adds to a concerning pattern for Coetzee, who has faced fitness issues recently. He missed the Champions Trophy due to a groin injury and has only recently resumed international play, participating for South Africa A and being named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series. Coetzee has not appeared in Test cricket since November 2024.
Coetzee’s injury follows the ruling out of left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka from both the Namibia T20I and the entire Pakistan tour due to a hamstring strain sustained during domestic first-class cricket.
Despite these challenges, South Africa retains a formidable pace attack across formats. For the two-match Test series beginning on Sunday, October 12, the Proteas will depend on players such as Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Wiaan Mulder. Additionally, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams, both of whom have recently returned from long-term injuries, enhance the depth of the bowling lineup.
For the white-ball series, Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the pace unit, though he has not been included in the Test squad as South Africa anticipates spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan.
As the World Test Championship title defense approaches and the white-ball segment is critical for preparation ahead of next year’s global events, South Africa will be hoping that Coetzee’s injury is not severe and that their pace unit remains healthy for a rigorous tour ahead.
