Kwena Maphaka Joins South Africa's Test Squad Following Gerald Coetzee's Injury for Upcoming Matches
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New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) Uncapped Kwena Maphaka has been included in South Africa’s Test squad following the exclusion of fast-bowler Gerald Coetzee, who has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka and the forthcoming all-format series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) reported that Coetzee, 24, felt discomfort while bowling on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka, which the Proteas secured by 233 runs at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban this past Saturday.
The CSA further stated, “Results of the scan revealed a right groin muscle strain. His recovery period is estimated to be between four to six weeks.” In light of Coetzee's absence, who took four wickets in the Durban Test, Maphaka has been summoned to the squad for the second game, commencing at St George’s Park in Gqeberha from December 5-9.
This Test team call-up marks another milestone in the career of the 18-year-old Maphaka, who was honored as the Player of the Tournament at this year's Men's U19 World Cup held in South Africa and subsequently secured a contract with the Mumbai Indians for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Maphaka, representing the Lions in domestic cricket, made his T20I debut for South Africa during their tour of the West Indies, where he claimed one wicket and earned an IPL contract with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2025 season through the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
For the second Test, South Africa is already missing fast-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who sustained a fractured right middle finger in Durban. Following the Tests against Sri Lanka, South Africa will host Pakistan for three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
While Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are available, South Africa is facing a shortage of fast-bowling options, especially with Nandre Burger sidelined due to a lower back stress fracture, Lungi Ngidi unavailable with a groin injury until January, and Anrich Nortje opting to focus on white-ball formats after recovering from a long-standing back injury.
South Africa's squad for the second Test includes: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne.
