Injury Details
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan due to a left adductor strain. The injury occurred during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI on Tuesday, according to a media release.
Immediate Replacement
Bjorn Fortuin, another left-arm spinner, has been named as Maharaj’s like-for-like replacement for the second and third ODIs against Pakistan. Maharaj had to be replaced at the last moment before the toss of the first game, with pace-bowling allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo stepping in.
Rehabilitation Plan
Maharaj is set to return to Durban for rehabilitation. His progress will be reassessed ahead of the first Test match against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on December 26 in Centurion.
South Africa’s Injury Woes
Maharaj’s absence adds to South Africa’s growing list of injured bowlers:
- Anrich Nortje: Fractured toe
- Gerald Coetzee: Groin injury
- Lungi Ngidi: Hip issue
- Nandre Burger: Lower back injury
- Wiaan Mulder: Broken finger
Recent Contributions by Maharaj
Before his injury, Maharaj played a crucial role in South Africa’s recent Test series win against Sri Lanka. His match-winning performance in the second Test in Gqeberha saw him claim 5 for 76, triggering a dramatic batting collapse.
Spin Options for the Test Series
In Maharaj’s absence, South Africa has several spin-bowling options for the Test series against Pakistan:
- Dane Piedt
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Neil Brand: A batting allrounder who bowls left-arm spin
- Shaun von Berg: Legspinner who debuted in New Zealand earlier this year
- Tabraiz Shamsi: Last played first-class cricket in 2021
World Test Championship Stakes
The two-match Test series against Pakistan holds high stakes for South Africa. Currently sitting at the top of the World Test Championship points table, they need just one win to secure a spot in the final.
