Coetzee returns to ODI squad for Australia series
Gerald Coetzee's ODI hiatus is likely to end against Australia this month after he was picked in the 16-member squad for the three-match series. Coetzee hasn't played ODI cricket post the 2023 World Cup and has battled injuryissues in recent times.However, he did get some overs under his belt recently in a four-day contest against Bangladesh A.South Africa's pace stocks have taken a beating already with the absence of Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger. Lutho Sipamla, who was picked for the tri-series in Namibia, was withdrawn due to a hamstring issue. From the squad that last featured in an ODI series, South Africa left out Prenelan Subrayen, Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis.CSA also confirmed that Aiden Markram will be available to play only the second and third ODIs. Tristan Stubbs, who didn't feature against India last December in South Africa's most recent ODI assignment, has returned alongside veteran David Miller.The series kicks off in Durban on September 24 with the next two games scheduled for September 27 and 30. This will be South Africa's first ODI assignment at home since they played host to Pakistan in December 2024.ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj“With the World Cup just over a year away, this series marks an important step in shaping the squad as we build towards the tournament, while also giving those players who are in the frame opportunities when we face Bangladesh and England later in the season," Head coach Shukri Conrad said. “We have a clear idea of the combinations we want and the roles we need players to fulfill."From a batting perspective, we’ve looked at making sure we have a middle order that can be explosive but have the ability to absorb pressure and take the innings quite deep. That balance is going to be important for us. Unfortunately, Kagiso will miss out on this series due to injury, but his absence creates an opportunity for the other players to step up. It’s great to see Gerald back in the fold and, by all accounts, he’s been bowling nice and quickly."
Most Popular
