George Linde to replace injured Maharaj for final Ranchi Test

South Africa suffers huge blow as left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the third and final test against India starting from Saturday (October 19) in Ranchi.

According to a CSA media release, Maharaj sustained a shoulder injury while fielding on day two of the second Test match, which the hosts won by an innings and 137 runs.

Left-arm spinner George Linde will replace Maharaj inn the upcoming game.

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A re-assessment ahead of the start of play this morning along with MRI results revealed that he will not be fit in time to play in the final Test match.

“An MRI scan revealed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday. He was re-assessed this morning, particularly with regards to bowling, and he showed significant discomfort in this latter discipline,” team doctor Ramjee Hashendra commented.

“Based on this morning’s assessment and the findings of the scan, the medical team feels, he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days’ time. The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)