South Africa Recall Fast Bowler Gerald Coetzee for Third Test Against Australia
South Africa have named fast bowler Gerald Coetzee in their XI for the third Test against Australia, replacing injured Anrich Nortje, Cricket Australia reported.
South Africa have recalled fast bowler Gerald Coetzee to their team for the third Test against Australia, replacing injured Anrich Nortje, who sustained a groin injury in the second Test, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Coetzee, 26, will play his first Test in almost two years, having last played in the format in 2022.
He has played only two first-class games since, and was part of South Africa's ODI squad for their recent series against Australia.
The South African team management considered Coetzee's lack of recent cricket but decided to take a risk on him for his "enforcer" role, according to captain Temba Bavuma.
"He's probably the closest guy in terms of a like-for-like … in terms of the role Anrich plays in the bowling attack as an enforcer," Bavuma said.
Coetzee's inclusion means Keshav Maharaj, South Africa's most prolific spinner in Test history, will have to wait another week for his chance.
The third Test against Australia will be played at Newlands in Cape Town from October 27-31.
The South Africa Test squad for the third Test includes Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee.
