Maharaj will play with the Proteas for the upcoming three-match ODI series while the senior players remain at rest.
Keshav Maharaj is named in the ODI squad of South Africa for the first time since 2018. The three-match ODI series will be against the Aussies following the recent T20I series. On the other hand, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, and Dwaine Pretorius remain at rest.
‘With a busy year and a half in mind, the selectors have opted to give further rest to Faf du Plessis and other senior players, such as Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius, while giving themselves an opportunity to see what some of the country's up and coming talents have to offer’, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated.
Luke Zondi, the independent selector recalled Maharaj’s outstanding domestic white-ball performance. ‘We are pleased to call up Keshav (Maharaj) who has done really well with the white ball over an extended period of time in the domestic franchise competitions of CSA. His experience, the extra spin option he provides us as well as the added contributions he makes with the bat and with fielding will be welcomed additions to the team’, he added.
Maharaj is a right-handed bowler who can bowl at any stage of the innings. He was named as the Man of the Match award for taking a total of eight wickets during the 2nd Test of the Proteas. Maharaj was also able to take his first five-wicket haul at Dunedin.
South Africa’s ODI Squad: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Temba Bavuma, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verreynne
The three-match ODI will officially begin on February 29 at the Boland Park in Paarl. To learn more about ODIs, check out Betwala’s page for more information.
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