South African quick Gerald Coetzee suffers an injury and is doubtful for the second test against Sri Lanka

Durban (South Africa): Injury concerns in South Africa deepened after youngster Gerald Coetzee suffered a groin problem on Day 4 of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Durban, according to ICC.

South Africa celebrated a resounding 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test on Saturday to move up to second place in the World Test Championship standings.

However, the Proteas’ victory was shrouded in a veil 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 Test captain Temba Bavuma addressed injury concerns, saying, as quoted by the ICC, “Wiaan is out of the series and we have to find a replacement. (For) Gerald Coetzee, the medical team will have “They have to do the best they can.”

Mulder was hit on the lower hand while batting in the first inning. He was taken for further examinations, which confirmed the fracture. He remained undefeated with a score of 9 and did not take the field for the rest of the match.

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

In South Africa’s maiden Test win, Marco Jansen was the standout player for the hosts, achieving exceptional figures of 11/86. He was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.

With a dominant display, South Africa kept alive hopes of securing a place in the final of the World Test Championship, to be held in England next year.

South Africa defeated Australia to move into second position with a points percentage of 59.26 percent, having won five and lost three of their nine matches.

The Proteas trail India, who remain on top with a points percentage of 61.11 per cent after nine wins and five losses in 15 matches.

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

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