Fast bowling prodigy Gerald Coetzee named in South Africa's Under-19 World Cup squad

Gerald Coetzee, the young pace sensation from South Africa has been named in the Under-19 World Cup squad. He had recently sustained a hamstring injury in a match of MSL 2019. But, it looks like now he has successfully recovered from it. The selection panel has picked a strong squad for the Under-19 marquee event that is slated to be held next year on January 17.

Coetzee is the only player in the squad, who had played previous U19 World Cup that was held in New Zealand. He had grabbed eight wickets in four games with a five-fer against Sri Lanka last time around in the tournament. This year he made his MSL debut playing for Jozi Stars and took wickets of the players like Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan. In his first-class cricket career, he has taken  17 wickets in four matches until now.

South Africa picks an all-round squad for Under-19 World Cup

The selectors have picked an all-round team with Bryce Parsons being appointed as the skipper of the team going into the World Cup and Khanya Cotanias as his deputy. However, in a strange decision Proteas have drafted only one frontline spinner in the team i-e.  Odirile Modimokoane.

After the announcement, Victor Mpitsang, the Under-19 selection selector said that they have picked a balanced squad that has the potential to win the title. He also added the fact that having a player (Gerald Coetzee), who has the experience of playing in the Under-19 World Cup is an added advantage to them. Moreover, they will be playing in the home conditions and it will surely boost the confidence of the players.

“I feel we have chosen a well-balanced squad that has good leadership potential in its ranks as well. Having a player who has experienced a previous ICC under-19 World Cup tournament in Gerald Coetzee also brings significant advantages of its own. The advantage of playing at home also brings extra confidence into our ranks, particularly as the team has a good programme of competitive youth ODIs leading into the tournament,” Victor Mpitsang said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

South Africa Under-19 World Cup Squad: Bryce Parsons (capt), Khanya Cotani (vice-capt), Luke Beaufort, Jonathan Bird, Merrick Brett, Achille Cloete, Gerald Coetzee, Tyrese Karelse, Mondli Khumalo, Jack Lees, Andrew Louw, Levert Manje, Odirile Modimokoane, Pheko Moletsane, Tiaan van Vuuren.