Keshav Maharaj doubtful for second Test against Pakistan

Keshav Maharaj is doubtful for the second Test against Pakistan, starting from Thursday in Rawalpindi, after Proteas head coach Mark Boucher revealed the spinner felt pain in his rib area during a training session.

While speaking to reporters in an online interaction on Wednesday, the head coach said that they will take a final call on the spinner’s availability on the morning of the Test match.

“During a session on Tuesday, Kesh [Keshav] turned around and felt a pain in his rib area. He complained that it was a little bit sore. He went for scans with the doctor, came back and there is something there. It might be a minor little tare or a bruising of some sorts,” said Boucher.

“He then bowled quite a few overs today. I think he bowled close to 15 overs to really test himself. He felt fine and that the pain was bearable. We are not ready to make a call on him yet, because you never know how his body will react overnight,” he added.

Boucher also indicated towards including all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the playing XI for the Rawalpindi Test.

“We haven’t selected a final XI yet. Wiaan Mulder is certainly in the plans. A guy who is able to hit good areas for long periods of time is always going to be difficult to play, especially how we batted in the first Test. He will add a different sort of look to the side as well with the extra all-rounder position,” he added.

Meanwhile, opener Dean Elgar, who suffered a finger injury during the first Test, is fit to play the second Test. Whereas, decision on spinner Tabraiz Shamsi’s fitness will be made tomorrow before the Test.