The 22-year-old seamer has been included in the Test setup for the first time in his career, and it will come as little surprise if he gets a run on the pace friendly Australian wickets.

Earlier in the year Coetzee was named in the Proteas squad for their success T20 International series against the new World Champions, England, in England.

Coetzee did however not get an opportunity to play in the crunch series.

Van Heerden told OFM Sport that the inclusion of Coetzee is great for the union.

“Gerald's inclusion in the Test squad for down-under has been coming for a long time,” said the former Free State cricketer.

“I think that if it wasn't for the couple of injuries, he had last year he could have already found himself in the squad, but it's great news.

“With Gerald having bowled at 150km/p in the T20 Challenge, you just can't go without him playing against the Aussies down-under.

“We'are extremly happy - extremely happy for him, extremely happy for the Knights. 

“It just shows that the next generation of Proteas players are also developing here in Bloemfontein and it's lovely for him to be a part of that as well.”

Australia and the Proteas will go head-to-head on 17 December in the 1st Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport