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South Africa have announced their playing XI ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place on Thursday, Decemꦰber 5, at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. In a notable development, two key players from the ꦰfirst Test have been ruled out, leading to changes in the team for this crucial encounter.
Gerald Coetzee and Wiaan Mulder ruled out from the second SA vs SL Test
In a significant blow to the South African side, right-arm fast bowler Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Test due ♛to a groin injury. Coetzee, who was impressive in the first Test by taking a total of four wickets across both innings, will be unavailable for this match. His absence is a key change for the Proteas, as they will have to adjust their bowling attack without h🔴is pace and aggression.
South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will also be unable for the second Test after suffering a fractured middle finger on his right hand during the first innings of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Mulder’s injury will be🥂 a significant setback for the team, as his all-round capabilities were crucial in the first Test wi🌊n. The Proteas will now look to fill the void left by his absence in both batting and bowling departments.
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Replacements for Coetzee and Mulder
South Africa have made two changes to the playing XI to cover for the injured duo. Right-arm medium-fast bowler Dane Paterson will come in for Coetzee. Paterson last played for South Africa in a Test match against Bangladesh in October and will provide the team wiꦡth experienced♋ pace bowling support.
To replace Mulder, wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton has been brought in. Rickelton, who also featured i🌱n the Test series against Bangladesh in October, 👍is expected to bring stability to the batting order, providing additional depth in the middle order.
South Africa’s strong start to the series
South Africa enters the second Test on the back of a commanding victory in the first match at Kingsmead, Durban. The Proteas defeated Sri Lanka by a dominant 233 runs and took a lead in a two-match Test series, showcasing a solid all-round performance. This victory has propelled South Africa to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with 64 po❀ints and a 59.26 percentage. The team will be eager to maintain momentum and further solidify t🐠heir position in the WTC standings as they look to continue their success against Sri Lanka.
