The South African cricket team has received a significant boost ahead of the second Test match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Star spinner Keshav Maharaj is set to return to the squad, a welcome addition as the Proteas look to level the series after their defeat in Lahore.
Captain Aiden Markram confirmed Maharaj's return, emphasizing the experience and skill set the 35-year-old brings to the team. Maharaj had been sidelined with a groin injury, forcing him to miss the first Test, which Pakistan won by 93 runs. His return provides a crucial edge to the South African bowling attack.
"Obviously, it’s great to have him back in the camp," Markram stated at a press conference. "He brings lots of experience and a really good skill set as well. We're looking forward to this game starting tomorrow, which is an opportunity for us to level the series, but also to keep improving in these conditions and fixing some of the stuff that we feel needs fixing from the first game."
Maharaj's impressive record of 203 wickets in 59 Tests makes him South Africa’s most successful spin bowler. His presence will be vital on what is expected to be another spinning track in Rawalpindi. The Lahore match was heavily influenced by spinners, and Markram anticipates similar conditions for the second Test.
"We're expecting it to spin. We've expected those types of conditions from day one, and it's about us having done some homework post the first test and coming up with new plans to hopefully counter that and give ourselves a chance of succeeding in these conditions," Markram explained.
With Maharaj back in the lineup, South Africa will likely have to drop one of their other spinners – Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, or Prenelan Subrayen. The decision will be a tough one, as all three contributed in Lahore.
Pakistan's victory in Lahore brought an end to South Africa’s impressive 10-match winning streak in Test cricket. The Proteas will be eager to bounce back and level the series in Rawalpindi, and Maharaj's return significantly improves their chances.