Cape Town, Oct 27:
South Africa have brought fast bowler Gerald Coetzee into their playing XI for the third and deciding Test against Australia, replacing the injured Anrich Nortje as the teams prepare for a series decider at Newlands.
The three-Test series is level at 1-1 after South Africa registered an innings-and-31-run victory in the second Test at Gqeberha. Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed that Coetzee would be the only change to the team that won the previous match.
Coetzee, who has played four Tests, returns to the format after an absence of almost two years. South Africa are hoping his pace and aggressive approach will help them put pressure on Australia’s batting line-up. Bavuma said the bowler was the closest available replacement for Nortje in terms of pace and role.
The decider presents an unusual challenge because Newlands has never hosted a Test in October. The ground has staged only three November Tests, all against Australia, with South Africa winning the most recent of those encounters in 2011.
A victory would strengthen South Africa’s position in the World Test Championship race and provide momentum as they seek to return to the final. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to recover from their heavy defeat in the second Test and take the series.
The contest is expected to place a premium on fast bowling, fitness and adaptability to conditions at a venue unfamiliar to both teams at this time of year.