In a major blow to South Africa’s cricket team, pacer Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan due to a groin injury and will not be available for selection for the Champions Trophy.

Coetzee, who had been in training at Pretoria’s Centre of Excellence, reported tightness in his groin after completing his 10 overs. The medical staff conducted a thorough assessment and concluded that the increased workload in 50-over matches could lead to a significant injury, ruling him out of the competition.

This setback is particularly tough for the 24-year-old, who had only just recovered from a hamstring strain that had kept him out of most of the SA20 season. Coetzee was also absent for the second Test against Sri Lanka and the series against Pakistan due to a previous groin injury.

Coetzee was expected to step in for the injured Anrich Nortje for the Champions Trophy, but now faces another injury-related setback. South Africa is likely to announce a replacement soon.

The South African squad for the first match of the tri-series, set to begin on February 10 against New Zealand, already includes six uncapped players. The rest of the squad for the series will be revealed on February 9, following the conclusion of the SA20 final. Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen will join the team ahead of their game against Pakistan on February 12.