South Africa's squad will face further setbacks for the second test against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin in Bulawayo on Sunday. Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj has been sidelined due to a left groin strain.
The first test, also held in Bulawayo, saw South Africa secure a dominant victory, winning by 328 runs on Tuesday. The team fielded only four players who had participated in their World Test Championship final triumph against Australia at Lord's the previous month.
With Maharaj's absence, the number of players from the WTC final team will be reduced to three. Senuran Muthusamy will step in to replace Maharaj, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will take on the captaincy as the team aims for a series win.
Lungi Ngidi, a seamer who played in the WTC final, was absent from the first test. Initially, he was expected to join the team in Zimbabwe for the second match. However, Cricket South Africa has since cancelled those plans.
5 Comments
ZmeeLove
Can Muthusamy fill Maharaj's shoes? That's a huge ask.
Muchacho
Depth in the squad is being tested. This exposes new talent!
Coccinella
The second test won't be as easy as the first. Zimbabwe will be hungrier.
Mariposa
Mulder's captaincy debut! Excited to see how he leads the team.
Muchacha
Still confident in the team's ability. They showed their strength in the first test.