- July 3, 2025
In cricket, injuries can, at times, just be that uninvited guest who arrives just when the party is getting going. Coming up to the second and final Test against Zimbabwe, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was the guest of his team. After such a great first Test win, the news of Maharaj’s groin strain means South Africa must pick up the pieces – it might have to change some thinking on spin. So, let’s see what it means for the Proteas as Zimbabwe is preparing for the match in Bulawayo.
Losing Maharaj: More Than Just a Spin Bowler’s Absence
Keshav Maharaj is not just any spinner; he is a seasoned professional who has the experience to either break partnerships or stem the run. To lose him is a big hole not just in the bowling group, but in the leadership group. He was announced captain of the team’s second-string side. That is a clear statement to suggest CSA has faith in him as a player. Now, I am sure CSA is disappointed that Wiaan Mulder is captain after a great first Test. While it is great for Mulder to come through, it is a big team to fill in for Maharaj, who is a spinner with his skill set and experience.
Another sign of faith in Maharaj is that CSA has decided to call up Senuran Muthusamy as Maharaj’s replacement. Muthusamy is still on his Test journey and has only played 4 tests, so this is a great opportunity for him to demonstrate what he can do. It does add a layer of pressure, but who doesn’t love new talent coming through, as every cricket lover!
Mulder’s Captaincy and the Bowling Lineup Shuffle
Since his dazzling 147 with the bat and four-wicket haul in the first Test, Wiaan Mulder’s name has been whispered, and his can-do-all like a natural leader through all aspects of his game takes its place in a leadership role. He adds the bowler element, which allows diversity to the attack, and his on-field leadership will certainly influence the direction of the team. Managing his performance along with all the team responsibilities’, expectations will present a challenge to the young all-rounder, especially in foreign conditions.
At the same time, South Africa’s bowling line-up has undergone a re-deployment, with Lungi Ngidi being removed from the team to explore other pace options, as the majority of the countries fast-bowling potency is based around the combination of Codi Yusuf, Kwenna Maphaka, Corbin Bosch and Mulder. Consider that Maharaj was the only spinner selected for the first Test, and if Muthusamy does not fill that big role perfectly, CSA may have to reconsider their spin options.
What This Means for the Second Test—and Beyond
The good news is that South Africa was emphatic in the first Test (winning by the remarkable margin of 328 runs). They can settle and allow for some experimentation and adjustments. The main question is whether the replacements can continue the momentum without Maharaj’s skill and leadership.
The pitch at Bulawayo may be a little assistive towards the spinners, so it will be interesting to see if Muthusamy can step up or if South Africa will be forced to rely on more seamers. Moreover, Mulder’s evolution in the captaincy potentially gives South Africa a little more energy and tactical variation. Sometimes, simply changing things up can produce surprising heroes from the shakedown.
Be it Mulder’s captaincy or Muthasamy’s ability to turn the ball, there will be some intriguing storylines unfolding in South Africa’s second Test against Zimbabwe. So cricket fans – what is your take? How does the Protesas fair without Maharaj? Can Zimbabwe sniff some sort of an opportunity, and create a little drama in Bulawayo?
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