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South Africa have been dealt a big blow ahead of the New Year’s Test against India, that starts in Cape Town on January 3. South Africa defeated the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team comprehensively in the first Test. Dean Elgar heroic ton and South African pacer’s relentless attack ensured that India lose the match by an innings and 32 runs. However, their pace power will miss the services of Gerald Coetzee in the second Test. India need to win the match to draw the series.

“Proteas and Momentum Multiply Titans fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Betway Test against India after developing pelvic inflammation during the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The 23-year-old experienced discomfort in his pelvis, which got progressively worse while bowling on day three of the match. He underwent scans on Friday which revealed the extent of the injury,” the Cricket South Africa said in a release.

“Head coach Shukri Conrad has opted to release Coetzee from the squad as a precautionary measure. No replacement has been named.”

Dean Elgar, who will retire at the end of the ongoing Test series against India, will lead the South African team in the final game of the two-match series in place of injured Temba Bavuma. Bavuma has been ruled out of the final Test of the series against India, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said after the conclusion of the first game on Thursday.

Bavuma sustained an injury while fielding on Day 1 of the Test match and as a result, played no further part in the game after scans revealed a hamstring strain.

In his absence, Elgar will captain the side in the final match of his international career, having announced his decision to retire before the series.

After Bavuma went off the field during the first Test, Elgar assumed the role of the captain in South Africa’s win by an innings and 32 runs at SuperSport Park.

Elgar was named the Player of the Match for his fine century in the opening Test.

Zubayr Hamza will replace Bavuma in the squad for the final Test to be played in the at Cape Town from January 3.

Elgar is no stranger to captaincy, having led the Proteas in the past, including the last time India visited South Africa for a Test series. After going 1-0 down in 2021-22, the opener led by example to complete a comeback 2-1 victory.

With PTI inputs