Gerald Coetzee (born 2 October 2000) is a South African cricketer.[1][2] In December 2017, he was named in South Africa's squad for the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.[3] In January 2019, he was named in the South Africa national under-19 cricket team's squad, ahead of their tour to India.[4] He is well known for his passionate, aggressive celebrations after taking wickets and has often drawn comparisons to his body language being similar to that of former South African pacer Dale Steyn.[5][6]
In February 2023, he was selected in South Africa Test squad for the series against West Indies.[15] He made his Test debut against West Indies on 28 February 2023.[16] In March 2023, he was named in South Africa's One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against West Indies.[17] He made his ODI debut in the second ODI of the series on 18 March 2023 in East London, when he took three wickets.[18]
2023 Cricket World Cup
In September 2023, he was named in South Africa's squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and it marked his maiden World Cup tournament at the age of 23.[19][20] He broke into the South African side as one of the key pacers for the 2023 World Cup following the injury concerns to senior fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala.[21][22] He became a vital cog in South Africa's pace battery during the course of the World Cup by being South Africa's second or third change bowler and became a canny operator in the middle overs by capturing over 10 wickets in between 11th and 40th over.[23][24][25] He ended the tournament as the leading wicket taker for South Africa with 20 scalps in 8 matches.[26] He also became the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in a single edition of the World Cup when he took his record 18th scalp in group stage match against Afghanistan.[27] He was called by many as one of the breakout stars of 2023 Cricket World Cup following his impressive performances.
Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams were not initially in the squad, but were named as replacements for Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala in the final squad.