• South Africa faces injury setbacks ahead of the crucial Pakistan Test series.
• Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj suffers a groin strain.
• Wiaan Mulder, who sustained a finger fracture, is also recovering.

South Africa faces a major setback ahead of the critical two-match Test series against Pakistan. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has suffered a groin strain.

The injury occurred during the team’s warm-up session before the first ODI of the ongoing series against Pakistan. Maharaj, initially included in the playing XI, was replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo following his injury.

Maharaj has been a pivotal player for South Africa’s Test team, often functioning as their sole specialist spinner, with Aiden Markram offering part-time off-spin support. The extent of Maharaj’s injury remains uncertain, leaving doubts about his availability for the Boxing Day Test.

South Africa is already grappling with a series of injuries, as several key players, including Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Wiaan Mulder, are sidelined. If Maharaj is ruled out, South Africa may look to Dane Piedt or Senuran Muthusamy as alternative spin options.

Adding to their woes, Wiaan Mulder, who sustained a finger fracture during the recent home series against Sri Lanka, is also racing to recover in time for the opening Test.

The upcoming series is crucial for South Africa, as just one victory will secure their spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to commence on December 26 in Centurion.

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