The China Mail - In and out as South Africa lose fast bowler Coetzee for Champions Trophy

Cricket South Africa announced that 24-year-old Coetzee had recovered from a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the current SA20 franchise competition in South Africa.

It seemed to open the way for the fiery fast bowler to replace the injured Anrich Nortje in the Champions Trophy.

But hours after the announcement he felt tightness in his groin while bowling in a pre-departure net practice.

Coetzee was withdrawn from the squad which departed later on Wednesday for tri-series matches against New Zealand and hosts Pakistan.

It was also announced that he would no longer be considered for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19.

Coetzee has played just 14 ODIs in his career taking 31 wickets.

Most of South Africa's leading players are involved in the closing stages of the SA20.

The squad for South Africa's match against New Zealand in Lahore on Monday includes only two players confirmed for the Champions Trophy, captain Temba Bavuma and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

Among four players uncapped at international level is Eathan Bosch, son of former Test player Tertius Bosch and brother of Corbin Bosch, who made his Test and one-day international debut against Pakistan in recent home series.

More players will be added to the squad depending on the result of a SA20 knockout match on Wednesday.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith and Kyle Verreynne (wkt).

Tri-Nation fixtures:

February 8, Pakistan v New Zealand, Lahore; February 10, New Zealand v South Africa, Lahore; February 12, Pakistan v South Africa, Karachi; February 14, Final, Karachi

G.Tsang--ThChM