“Whatever you do, don’t get injured. It might cost you your contract.” That warning has become a reality for Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams, all of whom have been left out of Cricket South Africa’s list of 18 contracted players announced on Tuesday.
Since the previous contracts were issued in April last year, South Africa have played 53 matches — seven Tests, 12 ODIs and 34 T20Is. Coetzee featured in eight of those, all in T20Is, while Burger appeared in 15 matches (nine ODIs and six T20Is). Williams played one ODI and five T20Is. Collectively, the trio occupied just 4.97% of the available spots across those 53 line-ups, with injuries limiting their involvement.
Burger impresses despite omission
Burger’s exclusion comes shortly after a strong performance for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. He bowled an inswinger to dismiss Sanju Samson and followed it up with a sharp bouncer that led to Ayush Mhatre being caught behind. His figures of 2 for 26 in four overs helped restrict CSK to 127, with Rajasthan chasing the target down by eight wickets with 47 balls remaining.
Senior names and hybrid contracts
Reeza Hendricks, David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have also been omitted from the contracted group. Hendricks played 12 T20Is in the period under review. Miller and Van der Dussen had previously been awarded hybrid contracts when the system was introduced last year. At 36 and 37 respectively, their omission suggests a shift in direction.
This year, Simon Harmer is the only player to receive a hybrid contract. With two Tests in Sri Lanka scheduled for February and March — fixtures that could impact South Africa’s defence of the WTC title they secured last year — Harmer is expected to form a spin partnership with Keshav Maharaj.
More Read
New faces and future planning
The latest contract list includes Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis, all of whom have made an impression since the previous cycle.
With South Africa set to play eight Tests, nine ODIs and three T20Is at home this summer, and preparations underway for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, CSA have also named 20 “players of national interest.” Coetzee and Burger are among those included.
Minimal changes in women’s contracts
On the women’s side, there has been limited change. Eliz-Marie Marx is the only player to miss out, while Karabo Meso is the sole new addition to the 15-player list.
Squads
Men:
Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Hybrid contract:
Simon Harmer.
Players of national interest:
Marques Ackerman, Nandre Burger, Okuhle Cele, Gerald Coetzee, Connor Esterhuizen, Dian Forrester, Bjorn Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Nqobani Mokoena, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nqaba Peter, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Lutho Sipamla, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen, Tiaan van Vuuren, Codi Yusuf.
Women:
Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt.
