Delhi, 13 September (H.S.):

South Africa’s spin stalwart Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the ongoing T20 international series against England due to a groin injury, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Friday. Maharaj, who missed the first T20I of the series because of this injury, will not feature in the games scheduled in Manchester and Nottingham.

The 35-year-old left-arm spinner, renowned for his match-winning contributions and ranked No.1 ODI bowler globally, had enjoyed a successful ODI series preceding the T20s, including a four-wicket haul in the first ODI at Headingley.

Replacing Maharaj in the team is 30-year-old left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who last played a T20 international in September 2024. Fortuin’s inclusion is expected to bolster the spin department amid Maharaj’s absence.

Earlier in the series, South Africa secured a rain-affected 14-run win over England in Cardiff using the DLS method. Despite Maharaj’s injury setbacks, the Proteas continue to field a competitive side as the series heads into its concluding matches.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar