On Friday, a new-look Proteas team was named for the two Tests, with Lungi Ngidi dropped from the squad.

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The team will also be led by Temba Bavuma, who is the new Test captain.

When asked why Ngidi was dropped, the Proteas coach, Shukri Conrad, said the time is right for Coetzee.

"It’s quite simple for me. I believe Gerald Coetzee needs a good run," said Conrad.

"We’re all aware of his promise. Now’s as good a time as ever to unleash him, for want of a better expression.

"Without giving too much away, I’d like to believe I’ll be in a position to play all our quicks in Centurion and depending on what the Wanderers conjures up, that starting XI might change.

"It’s purely Gerald ahead of Lungi for me right now. That’s why I’ve gone for him."

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Coetzee and Conrad have previously worked together at junior level.

In 2022, Coetzee toured to England with the Proteas for the T20 International series, however, he didn’t get to play. 

He was named to the squad for the three Tests against Australia in December. Despite having taken a hat-trick in the warm-up game against the Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane, he also didn’t get game time in the Tests.

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On Sunday, Coetzee started with the ball for the Knights on day one of the CSA 4-Day match against the Dolphins at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. 

Coetzee took a first-ever five-wicket haul in first-class cricket with 5/56 in 15.1 overs as the Dolphins were bowled out for 253 in 73.5 overs.

The first Test at SuperSport Park will get under way on 28 February.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport