Keshav Maharaj's Fitness Key as South Africa Chase WTC Final Spot

South Africa Test coach, Shukri Conrad, has added spinner Keshav Maharaj to his 16-player squad for the Pakistan series. The 57-year-old hopes that Maharaj will be fit to take part in what is an important series for South Africa who are one victory away from securing a spot in the final of the World Test Championship. 

Keshav Maharaj's Injury

South Africa's long list of injured bowlers lengthened when Keshav Maharaj, one of the world's best Test spinners, was forced to withdraw from the first One Day International against Pakistan at Boland Park in Paarl on Tuesday.

The slow-left-arm orthodox picked up an acute groin strain during the team's warm-up session on Tuesday and has undergone a medical assessment to determine the severity of the injury.

With South Africa one victory away from securing a spot in the World Test Championship final and with the two-match Test series against Pakistan set to get underway next week in Centurion, South Africa will be hoping that the 34-year-old will be fit in time to boost the team's chances of reaching the final.

The Proteas' bowling attack is already limping with Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger ruled out of the summer due to injuries. 

"We're all hoping that he's good to go," said Conrad on Wednesday as the 57-year-old announced a 16-player strong squad for the series.

Conrad included Maharaj in the squad and alongside him is Senuran Muthusamy, another slow-left-arm orthodox.

"He's having a scan as we speak and based on the outcome of that, we'll do the necessary. We'll see how severe it is, whether it is only potentially the first Test or both Test matches," Conrad told SportsBoom.com. 

"I must be honest, I haven't given it much thought but once I get the results of the scan I'll be in a better position to either replace or chat with the other coaches and make up my mind on the back of that."

Conrad has a number of options for a potential replacement for Maharaj as spinners Tsepo Ndwandwa, Kyle Simmonds, Bjorn Fortuin and George Linde are currently in good form in domestic first-class cricket.

The objectives of the series

Moreover, the coach is looking for his team to continue their winning ways in the upcoming Test series which get's underway at the team's fortress SuperSport Park.

The 57-year-old is, however, warry of the raw pace that Pakistan bowlers possess and advised that they are not overlooked heading into what is normally a fast bowlers' paradise at SuperSport Park.

"Generally, the bowlers hold sway there (SuperSport Park) but it can be good for batting on days one to two. More of the same, for batters to get themselves in. It's generally quite a quick-scoring venue which also might suit us down to how guys enjoy scoring quickly," he said.  

"We've really got to marry good technique with the conditions and then obviously the Pakistan bowlers will bring a certain set of skills that we've got to respect."

"They've always had really good quick bowlers and we expect a great contest there. From a bowling front, for us to do what we've done particularly well in Pretoria and St George's to be really patient and do the basics for as long as we possibly can."

"We've shown that as soon as we keep it simple and don't go searching too much with too many complicated plans our bowling attack is as good as anything doing the rounds at the minute."

Conrad's 16-player squad includes quick Corbin Bosch who earned his maiden Test call-up and 18-year-old fast bowling sensation in Kwena Maphaka.

Proteas Test squad against Pakistan

Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa Test series against Pakistan

First Test: 26 - 30 December at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Second Test: 03 - 07 January at Newlands Cricket Stadium, Cape Town.