By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proteas stand-in captain and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a left groin strain.
Maharaj picked up the injury during his superb knock of 51 in South Africa’s second innings of their record-breaking 328-run victory in the first Test at Queens Sports Club.
While his absence is a definite setback for South Africa, it opens the door for a younger player to step up as the Proteas begin a slight rebuilding phase following their World Test Championship final triumph in London last month.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who scored a career-best 147 in South Africa’s second innings and also took 4/50 in Zimbabwe’s first innings, has been named captain for the second Test.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Maharaj will return to South Africa for further medical assessment and treatment.
“Kesh sustained a groin strain while batting in the second innings, and he’s been ruled out of the second Test,” said Conrad.
“He’ll be heading home, and the medical team will carry out the necessary assessments. We’re awaiting further feedback.”
Conrad added that Mulder’s appointment as captain is based on his current form with both bat and ball, as well as the confidence he brings to the team. “He’s clearly on top of his game at the moment,” Conrad said.
South Africa’s squad against Zimbabwe – 2nd Test
Wiaan Mulder (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors), Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).
Upcoming Fixtures
28 June – 02 July at 10:00
Zimbabwe lost to South Africa by 328 runs – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
06 – 10 July at 10:00
Zimbabwe v South Africa – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.