South Africa vs India: Gerald Coetzee ruled out of the Final Test with an Injury

South Africa pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the second and final Test of the South Africa vs India series after developing pelvic inflammation. The Proteas confirmed the news on Saturday. South Africa beat India by a mammoth innings-and-32-run victory in Centurion earlier this week.

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"Proteas and Momentum Multiply Titans fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Betway Test against India after developing pelvic inflammation during the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The 23-year-old experienced discomfort in his pelvis, which got progressively worse while bowling on day three of the match. He underwent scans on Friday which revealed the extent of the injury," Cricket South Africa said in a release.

COETZEE RULED OUT OF NEW YEAR'S TEST AGAINST INDIA 🇿🇦🇮🇳

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Betway Test against India after developing pelvic inflammation during the first Test at SuperSport Park. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/MLHKRw86OK

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 30, 2023

In the first innings of the opening Test, Coetzee secured just one wicket, and he bowled only five overs in the second innings as South Africa convincingly defeated the visiting team. Cricket South Africa has decided not to designate a substitute for the upcoming Test match, scheduled to take place on January 3 in Cape Town.

Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder are alternative fast bowling choices, providing selectors with flexibility. They can also include Keshav Maharaj, who was not initially selected for the first Test.

Dean Elgar will lead the South African team in the final game of the two-match series in place of injured Temba Bavuma. Bavuma has been ruled out of the final Test of the series against India. Bavuma sustained an injury while fielding on Day 1 of the Test match and as a result, played no further part in the game after scans revealed a hamstring strain. Zubayr Hamza will replace Bavuma in the squad for the Cape Town test, starting from January 3.

Meanwhile, India will be aiming to avoid a series defeat in the final Test. The last time India drew a test series in South Africa was in 2011/12, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.