South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out with a shoulder injury from the third and final Ranchi Test against India. The left-arm spinner George Linde has been named as his replacement. Maharaj sustained the injury while fielding on the second day of the Pune Test.
“A re-assessment ahead of the start of play this morning along with MRI results revealed that he will not be fit in time to play in the final Test match,” – a Cricket South Africa release said.
In the second Test, Maharaj picked up just one wicket, but in the first innings of South Africa, he scored a resilient 72 to hold India at bay after the hosts had reduced the visitors to 162/8. He made 109 runs with Vernon Philander taking South Africa to 275 runs before they were bowled out. Then, he followed it up with a 22 in the second innings.
“An MRI scan revealed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday. He was recessed this morning, particularly with regards to bowling, and he showed significant discomfort in this latter discipline.
An MRI scan revealed that Keshav suffered a muscle injury in his shoulder. He was recessed this morning, particularly in bowling, and in this latter discipline, he showed significant discomfort.
“Based on this morning’s assessment and the findings of the scan, the medical team feels he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days’ time. The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase,”- team doctor Ramjee Hashendra said.
India with a 2-0 lead in the series will play their final Test in Ranchi on Saturday.
