South Africa is bringing back veteran experience for next month’s T20I series in England, giving the nod to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Maharaj, a top-ranked one-day bowler, sat out the last two series while the team experimented with new players. According to Coach Shukri Conrad, the 34-year-old was never truly out of the picture and was “always part of their long-term planning.”
“We were experimenting with the spin-bowling all-rounders in our most recent T20I series, and Keshav was always part of our broader plans,” Conrad explained. “His return strengthens our spin options and brings calmness and leadership to the group.”
South Africa will play three T20Is in England as part of their World Cup build-up. Maharaj will share spin duties with Senuran Muthusamy.
South Africa’s recent T20 form
Since January 2024, South Africa have featured in eight T20I events: six bilateral series, a tri-series, and the World Cup. The record has been mixed.
- They won just one series, beating Pakistan 2-0 at home.
- They lost four others, including twice to West Indies, once to India, and once to Australia.
- A series against Ireland ended in a draw.
- They reached the World Cup final but finished as runners-up.
- They also lost the tri-series final to New Zealand earlier this year.
The upcoming matches against England will be their final major series before the global tournament.
Returning players
Maharaj is not the only familiar face back in the setup. Fast bowler Marco Jansen returns after thumb surgery, having been sidelined since the World Test Championship final in June. Seamer Lizaad Williams also makes his comeback following knee surgery in late 2023.
David Miller, one of South Africa’s most experienced batters, is back as well after missing the Australia series because of franchise commitments.
Notable absentees
The squad does not include batter Rassie van der Dussen, spinner George Linde, or young leg-spinner Nqaba Peter. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, reported for a suspect action, has also been left out and will undergo testing in Brisbane next week.
Maharaj’s record
Maharaj is a seasoned T20 bowler, and his numbers on ESPNcricinfo back that up. Across 191 matches, he’s taken 162 wickets while keeping things tight with a 6.99 economy rate. He’s just as effective for South Africa, having claimed 38 wickets in 39 international appearances.
Head-to-head with England
In their 25 T20 head-to-heads, South Africa has the slight upper hand on England, 13 wins to 12. The other match was abandoned without a result.
Squad list
Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.
