Coetzee Out, Pretorius In for South Africa's West Indies Tests

South Africa's Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone a change, with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee ruled out due to a side strain. Coetzee sustained the injury while playing for Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket (MLC) T20 franchise league in the USA.

Following assessments by South Africa's medical team, Coetzee was deemed unfit to participate in the Test series, which commences on August 7. In his place, uncapped Test player Migael Pretorius has been called up.

Pretorius, 29, has a wealth of experience in first-class cricket, having played 64 matches and claimed 188 wickets at an average of 27.50. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for Somerset in the ongoing English County Championship, with 23 wickets.

Pretorius has previously been named in South Africa squads but has yet to make his international debut. He was part of the T20I squad for the series against Pakistan in March 2021 but did not play. He was also called up for the Test series in Sri Lanka in December 2020 but withdrew due to a shoulder injury.

South Africa's Test squad for the West Indies series now includes:

* Temba Bavuma (capt)

* David Bedingham

* Matthew Breetzke

* Nandre Burger

* Tony de Zorzi

* Keshav Maharaj

* Aiden Markram

* Wiaan Mulder

* Lungi Ngidi

* Dane Paterson

* Dane Piedt

* Kagiso Rabada

* Tristan Stubbs

* Ryan Rickelton

* Kyle Verreynne

* Migael Pretorius

The Test series will begin in Port-of-Spain, followed by the second Test in Providence. Three T20Is will conclude the tour from August 24 to 28.

Tags: #Cricket, #SouthAfrica, #WestIndies, #TestSeries, #GeraldCoetzee