South Africa will be without stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj for the second Test against Zimbabwe, set to begin on July 6 at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo. Maharaj, who had taken over captaincy duties in the absence of injured regular skipper Temba Bavuma, picked up a left groin strain while batting on Day 3 of the first Test and will return home for further medical evaluation.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been named as the new captain for the series decider. Senuran Muthusamy has been called up as Maharaj’s replacement in the squad. Meanwhile, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was expected to join the squad, has been released to allow the pace attack from the first Test to continue building momentum.
Conrad backs Captain Mulder to come good
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad expressed confidence in Mulder’s leadership abilities, noting his previous experience captaining South Africa at the Under-19 level.
“He’s on top of his game at the minute. He captained in his youth days at South Africa Under-19. He’s shown some really good leadership qualities, and I think this is part of his journey where he’s starting to take more responsibility in the side, and we’ve seen him do a lot of that in the series thus far,” Conrad told the media on Wednesday. I think it will be great for Wiaan to grow into becoming a leader in this group. He’s got all the attributes, and I think the more responsibilities I give him, the better Wiaan reacts. I think we’ll see increased and improved performances as well. He thrives in responsibility as well.
Mulder, who struck his career-best Test score in the series opener, now takes on the added responsibility of leading his side. South Africa currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after a commanding 328-run win in the first Test and will look to seal a clean sweep in Bulawayo.
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