Key Points

Keshav Maharaj, South Africa's stand-in captain, has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a groin strain. Wiaan Mulder will lead the side in his absence while Senuran Muthusamy replaces Maharaj in the squad. South Africa also released Lungi Ngidi to give other seamers more opportunities after their strong first Test performance. The Proteas won the opening match by 328 runs, with the second Test set to begin on July 6 in Bulawayo.

Key Points: Keshav Maharaj Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Test with Groin Strain

  • Maharaj injured while batting in first Test
  • Wiaan Mulder named stand-in captain
  • Lungi Ngidi released to give other pacers a chance
  • South Africa dominated first Test by 328 runs
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Keshav Maharaj ruled out of second Test against Zimbabwe with groin strain 

South Africa stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj misses second Zimbabwe Test due to injury, replaced by Senuran Muthusamy as Wiaan Mulder takes over leadership.

"The captain for the series sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test on Monday. – Cricket South Africa"

New Delhi, July 2

South Africa's stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a groin strain, Cricket South Africa said on Wednesday.

Maharaj, who was captain for the Zimbabwe series following the unavailability of full-time regular Test skipper Temba Bavuma, sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test on Monday.

"The captain for the series sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test on Monday. He will return home for further assessment to determine the extent of the injury," Cricker South Africa said in a statement.

"Senuran Muthusamy has been named as his replacement, while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will lead the side in the second Test, which begins on Saturday," it further said.

Meanwhile, South Africa have also released Lungi Ngidi from the squad in order to give the pacers from the opening Test another opportunity to make an impression.

"Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was set to join the squad on Wednesday, has been released to give the seamers who impressed in the first Test another opportunity to build on their performances," it added.

The World Test Championship winners South Africa were in terrific form against Zimbabwe in the first Test, with centuries for Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Corbin Bosch and Wiaan Mulder, and Codi Yusuf, Maharaj, Mulder and Bosch sitting among wickets. The Proteas defeated Chevrons by a massive margin of 328 runs.

The second Test will also be played at Bulawayo stating from July 6.

South Africa Squad for the second Test:

Wiaan Mulder (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne and Codi Yusuf.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see SA's rotation policy. Releasing Ngidi shows they're serious about giving chances to new players. Zimbabwe really need to step up their game after that 328-run thrashing!
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Aditya G
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm watching SA's bench strength closely before our series against them. Their young players like Pretorius and Bosch look dangerous! 😳
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Priya S
Honestly, Zimbabwe cricket needs more support from ICC. How will they improve if they keep getting demolished like this? SA should maybe play their B team to make it more competitive.
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Karan T
Mulder as captain is a bold move! He's just 25 but showed great maturity in first Test. SA's future looks bright with these youngsters. Meanwhile, our Indian team should take notes about grooming young leaders 👀
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Michael C
The injury list keeps growing in cricket these days. Maybe ICC should look at reducing the schedule? Players are getting injured too frequently now. #PlayerWelfare

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