South Africa have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe with stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj ruled out due to a left groin strain. The experienced left-arm spinner sustained the injury while batting on the third day of the first Test in Harare and will now return home for further medical assessment.
Maharaj’s absence not only deprives South Africa of their frontline spinner but also leaves a leadership void in the absence of full-time skipper Temba Bavuma, who was earlier ruled out of the series due to an injury.
In response, the team has turned to 27-year-old all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to captain the side. This will mark Mulder’s first outing as captain in Test cricket. Left-arm spinner and a batting all-rounder, Senuran Muthusamy, has been added to the squad as Keshav Maharaj’s replacement.
Wiaan Mulder Rewarded with Test Captaincy After Keshav Maharaj’s Injury
Cricket South Africa (CSK) confirmed in a statement that the injury was picked up during Maharaj’s batting on Day 3 of the match. Following scans and medical advice, the decision was made to withdraw him from the squad.
Head coach Shukri Conrad expressed confidence in Mulder’s abilities. Mulder impressed with his performance in the first Test versus Zimbabwe. He picked a four-wicket haul in the first innings and played a 147-run knock in the second, which is now his personal best score in Test cricket.
"He is obviously on top of his game at the minute. He's captained in his youth days, SA U19s. He shows some really good leadership qualities," Conrad said as quoted.
"This is part of his journey where he is starting to take more responsibility in the side. We have seen him do a lot of that in this short series thus far and I think it will be a great opportunity for Wiaan to grow into becoming a leader in this group. He's got all the attributes and I think the more responsibilitirs I give him, the better Wiaan reacts. I think we'll see improved performances. I think he thrives on that responsibility," he added.
Muthusamy, who has played only four Test matches so far in his career, will replace Maharaj. As of now, Muthusamy has scored 173 runs and taken seven wickets in Test cricket.
No Lungi Ngidi for 2nd Test
In a further squad update, Cricket South Africa confirmed that fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was scheduled to join the team ahead of the second Test, has been released. The decision was made to give the pace bowlers who featured in the first Test another chance to build on their strong showing.
The Proteas won the first Test by 328 runs. The second fixture will begin on July 6 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
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