South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the upcoming New Year’s Test against India, slated for January 3-7 at Cape Town’s Newlands, due to pelvic inflammation. The decision comes after Coetzee experienced discomfort during the previous Test and underwent scans, revealing the extent of his injury.
Coetzee’s pelvic inflammation worsened as he continued to bowl in the first Test, prompting the coaching staff, led by Shukri Conrad, to release him from the squad as a precautionary measure. No replacement has been named for the pacer.
South Africa currently holds a 1-0 lead in the two-match ICC World Test Championship series, securing a comprehensive victory at Centurion with an innings and 32 runs. In the WTC 2023-25 standings, South Africa leads with a perfect 100% points percentage. India, penalized two WTC points for a bowling shortfall in the Centurion Test, stands in the sixth position with a points percentage of 38.89%.
Critics argue that the intense schedule and physical toll of modern cricket contribute to a rise in injuries, impacting the quality of play in crucial series.
