South Africa faces an anxious wait over the fitness of key spinner Keshav Maharaj ahead of their final two Tests in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Maharaj sustained a groin strain during warm-ups before the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday, forcing him to limp off the field. Initially included in the playing XI, he was replaced at the last moment by Andile Phehlukwayo. A scan is scheduled, to determine the extent of the injury.
Following the three-match ODI series, South Africa will take on Pakistan in two Tests, needing just one victory to secure a top-two finish and qualify for the WTC final next year. Maharaj, often the team’s sole specialist spinner, plays a vital role in the Test side, supported by Aiden Markram’s part-time off-spin. Earlier this month, Maharaj’s 5 for 76 in Gqeberha helped South Africa clinch a dramatic win over Sri Lanka, dismantling the opposition on the final day. However, his potential absence could be a significant blow, particularly as South Africa’s bowling unit has been plagued by injuries.
The list of sidelined South African bowlers continues to grow. Anrich Nortje is out with a fractured toe, while Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi are nursing groin and hip injuries, respectively, and are not expected back until January. Nandre Burger’s summer has ended due to a stress fracture in his lower back, and Wiaan Mulder is racing against time to recover from a broken finger for the Boxing Day Test.
If Maharaj is ruled out, several spin options are under consideration. Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy are the leading candidates, while allrounder Neil Brand, who bowls left-arm spin, and legspinner Shaun von Berg are also in the mix. Tabraiz Shamsi, a left-arm wrist-spinner who hasn’t played first-class cricket since 2021, might also be in contention as an outside choice.
South Africa will hope their premier spinner regains fitness in time, as his absence could complicate their path to the WTC final.