• Home
  • Cricket News
  • South Africa Lose Another As Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out Of England T20i Series

South Africa Lose Another As Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out Of England T20I Series

Soumyajit Dutta

Keshav Maharaj injured [Source: AFP Photos]Keshav Maharaj injured [Source: AFP Photos]

South Africa's preparations for the new ICC World Test Championship cycle have been dealt a significant blow, with star spinner Keshav Maharaj sustaining a groin injury. The experienced campaigner picked up the knock during the warm-up ahead of the T20I series opener against England, throwing his availability for the Proteas' first Test against Pakistan next month into serious doubt, as he has withdrawn from the T20I series for an indefinite period.

Maharaj Doubtful For Pakistan Tests

Maharaj, a pivotal figure in South Africa's triumphant campaign that culminated with the WTC mace at Lord's in June, has little time to recover before the crucial opening fixture of the new cycle in Lahore on October 12. The exact severity of the groin problem is yet to be determined, leaving team management anxiously awaiting further medical assessment.

His potential absence would create a major void in the Proteas' attack, given his critical role as the lead spinner and a key containing option in the Test setup which will be in action against Pakistan from October 12.

Maharaj's Impact With The Ball

Speaking of Keshav Maharaj's recent impact, the spinner led the England ODI series with 8 wickets from the 3 matches while boasting a 4-wicket haul in the first ODI against England. He boasted an economy rate of 6.04 throughout the series while striking after every 17 balls.

In a further setback to the bowling stocks, the Proteas also confirmed that key pacer Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the England T20I series and will return home immediately after straining his right hamstring during a training session in Cardiff. Nandre Burger has been named as his replacement for the remainder of the series.

Meanwhile, South Africa was successful in dismantling England in a rain-affected affair at Cardiff, where two of the bowling spearheads were also absent. South Africa won by 14 runs via the DLS method in an 8-over-per-side contest. The 2nd T20I will be played at Manchester on September 12.