South Africa Backs Injured Stars Maharaj and Mulder for Pakistan Tests
South Africa has taken a calculated risk by naming Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder in their 16-man squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan, scheduled during the festive season. Despite their ongoing recovery from injuries, both players remain part of the squad as they near fitness milestones.
The series, set to be played at SuperSport Park on Boxing Day and Newlands for the New Year’s Test, is crucial for South Africa, who need a win to secure their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Maharaj’s Groin Injury Raises Questions
The experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj suffered a groin strain just before the first ODI against Pakistan in Paarl. This setback forced him out of the match minutes before the toss. While scans will determine the severity of his injury, South Africa has included him in the squad, banking on a quick recovery.
The inclusion of Senuran Muthusamy, a left-arm spinning allrounder, provides backup in case Maharaj isn’t fit in time for the Boxing Day Test.
Mulder Nearing Full Recovery
Wiaan Mulder, the versatile allrounder, has been recovering from a broken right middle finger sustained during a series against Sri Lanka. His final fitness test will decide his availability for the opening Test. If declared unfit, South Africa plans to release Matthew Breetzke, a top-order batter, from the squad.
Fresh Faces: Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka
The squad also includes two uncapped seam bowlers, Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka, marking a potential new chapter for South Africa’s pace attack:
- Corbin Bosch: The son of former international Tertius Bosch, Corbin earned his maiden call-up after impressing in domestic cricket and a South African Invitation XI match against the England Lions.
- Kwena Maphaka: Initially brought in as cover during the Sri Lanka series, Maphaka has yet to make his debut. His performances in the domestic circuit earned him a spot in the Test squad.
Managing Bowling Resources Amid Injuries
South Africa’s bowling lineup faces a critical test with several frontline pacers sidelined:
- Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams are all unavailable until next year.
- While Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are part of the Test and ODI squads, their workload will be managed carefully to avoid overburdening them.
Squad Highlights and Key Matches
The two-Test series against Pakistan holds significant importance for South Africa’s World Test Championship campaign. With one win needed to secure their spot in the WTC final, the team’s strategy and squad depth will be under the spotlight.
South Africa Test Squad for Pakistan Series:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- David Bedingham
- Corbin Bosch
- Matthew Breetzke
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kwena Maphaka
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Dane Paterson
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
FAQs – South Africa vs Pakistan Test Series
Q1: Why are Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder included in the squad despite injuries?
A: Maharaj and Mulder are in the final stages of recovery, and the selectors are hopeful they’ll regain fitness before the Boxing Day Test.
Q2: Who are the uncapped players in South Africa’s squad?
A: Seam bowlers Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka have earned their maiden call-ups for the series.
Q3: When and where will the South Africa vs Pakistan Tests be played?
A: The first Test is at SuperSport Park on Boxing Day, followed by the second Test at Newlands during the New Year’s week.
Q4: How important is this series for South Africa’s WTC campaign?
A: South Africa needs at least one win in the two-Test series to secure a spot in the World Test Championship Final.
Q5: Which key bowlers are unavailable for South Africa?
A: Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams are out due to injuries.