Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the rest of South Africa’s ODI series against Pakistan due to a left adductor strain.
Bjorn Fortuin, another left-arm spinner, has been called up to replace Maharaj for the second and third ODIs. Maharaj, 34, will return to Durban for rehabilitation, and his fitness for the first Test against Pakistan, starting on Boxing Day, will be reassessed closer to the date.
Maharaj sustained the injury during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI in Paarl on Tuesday. He was replaced in the starting XI by Andile Phehlukwayo just as the toss was taking place.
Fortuin, who has taken 13 wickets in 11 ODIs, last played for the Proteas in October against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
Before the scan results confirmed Maharaj’s injury, Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad expressed the significant impact of potentially losing him.
“His performances have been outstanding in recent months. He’s a calming presence in the dressing room and, along with Marco (Jansen) and (Kagiso Rabada), is a key part of the trio we rely on to take the 20 wickets needed to win a Test match,” Conrad said.
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South Africa is already grappling with injuries to Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortjé, further straining their squad depth.
The second ODI is set for Thursday at Newlands (2 PM), with the series finale scheduled for Sunday at the Wanderers.