New Test coach Shukri Conrad has outlined the Proteas’ decision to select the uncapped Gerald Coetzee ahead of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for late February to mid-March 2023’s series against the West Indies.
Ngidi has averaged three wickets per Test since debuting in 2018. Coetzee is the Knights’ second-highest wicket-taker in division one of the 2022-23 4-Day Domestic Series – and took the third-most wickets in the recent SA20.
“It’s quite simple for me. I think Gerald needs a good run. We all know the promise that Gerald holds, and now’s as good a time as ever to unleash him,” said Conrad.
South Africa and the West Indies will meet for two Tests. The first Test will be played in Centurion and the second Johannesburg.
“Without giving too much away, I’d like to think that I’d be in a position to play all our quick bowlers in Centurion. Depending on what the Wanderers throws up, that XI might change. It’s purely Gerald ahead of Lungi right now,” added Conrad.
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