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South Africa‘s Champions Trophy 2025 Preparations have suffered a severe blow as Geraldine Coetzeethe favorite to replace Anrich Nortjefaces concerns about his physical condition. According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, Coetzee, sidelined from Johannesburg Super Kings‘The SA20 2025 clash against Pretoria Capitals is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Gerald Coetzee’s health problems deepen South Africa bowling crisis
This setback comes shortly after Coetzee returned to competitive cricket in the SA20, where he took 2/32 against The Durban Supergiants in his first outing since injuring his groin in the Test series against Sri Lanka. His fitness journey has been plagued by interruptions, including a hip problem and a 12-week conditioning lock. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in South Africa’s T20I series against IndiaCoetzee’s recent problems leave his participation in the Champions Trophy uncertain. With Nortje already ruled out due to a back injury, the South African team management faces the difficult task of shoring up their bowling resources ahead of the main event.
Gerald Coetzee has been reported to have a serious injury and could be out of action for the next few weeks with a possible hamstring problem.#SA20 pic.twitter.com/G16ZDfeH71
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 17, 2025
Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa’s challenges increase
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistanpromises to be a highly competitive tournament, featuring the top eight ODI teams. South Africa is dealing with injuries to key players such as Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. The tournament, which follows a two-group format with semi-finals and a final, will test South Africa’s depth and adaptability.
With conditions in Pakistan favoring both pacers and spinners, the lack of in-form frontline players in South Africa could affect their campaign. The team management is likely to explore backup options from their domestic circuit to ensure a balanced team. Coetzee’s possible absence, coupled with Nortje’s injury, highlights the fragile nature of South Africa’s pace attack ahead of one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.
READ ALSO: Who is Lhuan-dre Pretorius? The rising star of South African cricket
3 pacemakers who can replace Anrich Nortje in the 2025 Champions Trophy
1. Kwena Maphaka: the young left-arm pacer
At only 18 years old, you are the cats has burst onto the scene as an exciting left-arm fast bowler for South Africa. With just two ODIs under his belt, Maphaka’s raw pace and ability to generate awkward bounces make him a compelling option for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. His potential to exploit favorable conditions and provide variation with his angle of attack could give South Africa an advantage. However, his lack of experience on the international stage remains a challenge, particularly in high-pressure matches. If picked, Maphaka will be tasked with quickly stepping up to take on South Africa’s bowling responsibilities in a marquee tournament.
2. Corbin Bosch: the complete bowling option
Corbin Bosch, South Africa’s latest ODI debutant, offers a versatile option as a bowling all-rounder. Having played just one ODI, he is relatively unproven, but his ability to bowl with pace and control makes him a valuable addition to the team. Bosch also provides batting depth, which could be crucial in tight matches during the Champions Trophy. In Pakistani conditions, his adaptability in both pace and movement will be vital. Although not an out-and-out strike bowler, Bosch’s ability to make breakthroughs and contribute with the bat could provide balance to the South African lineup.
3. Ottneil Baartman: the bowling specialist of death
Ottneil Baartman is an experienced domestic player who has played four ODIs, taking four wickets at an impressive average of 16.77 and an economy rate of 4. His ability to identify yorkers at the death makes him a strong contender for the Trophy of Champions in Pakistan. Baartman’s experience in handling high-pressure situations, combined with his ability to restrict runs in the final overs, could prove invaluable. While he lacks Nortje’s raw pace, his control and consistency could complement South Africa’s bowling attack in challenging conditions. If injuries persist in the team, Baartman could be a reliable option to step in and perform under pressure.
