Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee is a right-arm fast bowler who returns to South Africa’s ODI setup for the three-match series against Australia, having last played a 50-over international at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The 25-year-old has already established himself as an exciting pace option for the Proteas, with the ability to generate genuine speed and attack batters aggressively. His recall comes as South Africa deal with injuries to several senior fast bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and, more recently, Lungi Ngidi. Coetzee is therefore part of a pace group that also features Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka.

Coetzee’s bowling is built around attacking lengths, pace and the ability to extract bounce, making him capable of creating chances even when conditions are not heavily in favour of fast bowling. He can be particularly dangerous with the new ball but also has the aggression required to return for important spells later in the innings. After spending a considerable period away from ODI cricket, the Australia series gives him an opportunity to re-establish himself in South Africa’s 50-over plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The three matches in Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom will also expose him to different conditions and match situations. For fantasy cricket, Coetzee is an appealing pace option because his attacking approach gives him genuine wicket-taking potential, especially if he gets an extended spell with the new ball.