South Africa quick Gerald Coetzee injured and doubtful for second Test against Sri Lanka

South Africa celebrated a thumping 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test on Saturday and moved up to second place in the World Test Championship rankings.

However, the Proteas’ victory was shrouded in a pall of injuries. Coetzee’s recent setback came after all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was ruled out of the Test series after fracturing his right middle finger during the Test.

South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma addressed the injury concerns and said, as quoted by the ICC, “Wiaan is out of the series, (and) we need to find a replacement. (For) Gerald Coetzee, the medical team will have to do their best.”

Mulder was hit on the bottom of his hand while batting in the first inning. He underwent subsequent examinations, which confirmed the fracture. He remained undefeated with a score of 9 and did not take the court for the rest of the match.

Matthew Breetzke, who recently made his debut for South Africa against Bangladesh, has been named as his replacement for the second and final Test of the series.

In South Africa’s opening Test triumph, Marco Jansen stood out for the hosts, with outstanding match figures of 11/86. He was named player of the match for his impactful performance.

With a dominant performance, South Africa kept their hopes alive of clinching a place in the World Test Championship final, which will be held in England next year.

South Africa toppled Australia and moved into second place with a points percentage of 59.26 percent, having won five and lost three of their nine matches.

The Proteas are behind India, who remain at the top with a points percentage of 61.11 per cent from nine wins and five losses in 15 matches.

However, the situation could change when India take on Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Friday in Adelaide.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modification to the text.