South Africa received a major boost ahead of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, with captain Aiden Markram confirming the return of premier spinner Keshav Maharaj to the squad.
The 35-year-old, who had been sidelined due to a groin injury, missed the opening Test in Lahore — a match Pakistan won convincingly by 93 runs.
Pakistan’s squad for 2nd Test against South Africa: Details inside
“It’s fantastic to have him back with us,” Markram said during a pre-match press conference on Sunday. “His experience and control bring great balance to our bowling attack as we look to level the series.”
“He brings lots of experience and a really good skill set as well, so 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 203 wickets in 59 tests make him South Africa’s most successful spin bowler.
The clash in Lahore was dominated by the spinners on a slow turning surface, and Markram is expecting the same from the pitch at Rawalpindi.
“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.
“I suppose when you get to spinning conditions, the guessing game is always how long until it really starts to spin exaggeratedly,” Markram said.
South Africa had three spinners in their line-up last week, and Maharaj’s return is likely to lead to Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy or Prenelan Subrayen being dropped.
Pakistan’s victory in Lahore ended a 10-match winning streak in test cricket for South Africa.
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