Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said leaving spinner Keshav Maharaj out of the Test series against Australia was one of his hardest selection calls, IOL Sport reported.
Maharaj, who is 37, has taken 220 wickets in 63 Tests. He played in the first Test against Australia but was dropped for the rest of the series.
“I think Kesh has been a stalwart for us and he has won many games for us,” Bavuma said.
According to IOL Sport, the choice was made because of the opposition. Australia had many left-handed batters in their top seven, which made the off-spin of Simon Harmer a better fit.
Bavuma said Harmer’s skills made him the preferred option against Australia. He added that Maharaj still matters a great deal to the squad.
“He is one of my confidants within the team, so he will and has been valuable to the team, pouring to the guys and offering a helping hand tactically as well,” Bavuma said.
The decision came soon after Maharaj was named Player of the Series in the ODIs against Australia. After that series, former Proteas captain AB de Villiers said the left-arm spinner would “torment” the Australians in the Tests.
Harmer has risen to No 7 in the ICC Test bowling rankings. He has taken 44 wickets at an average of 19.09 since his return to international cricket last year.
Harmer said he felt for his teammate and expected him to return to the side.
“I really feel for Keshi. I don’t think he’s done anything wrong. He’s a hell of a bowler and his record in Test cricket speaks for itself. Cream always rises to the top, so he’ll be back,” Harmer said.
Harmer also praised Maharaj for helping him through hard times. He said Maharaj shared ideas with him instead of treating their fight for a place as a personal battle.
Head coach Shukri Conrad stood by the selection. He also said the decision was difficult and praised Maharaj for his professional attitude.
“Firstly, I am really sorry that I had to leave you out. Again, as the true pro that he is, he doesn’t go without a fight,” Conrad said.
The Proteas next play a two-Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test starts at the Wanderers on 15 November, and the second moves to SuperSport Park on 23 November.
Both matches will be played on the Highveld, where pace and bounce often shape team selection. Conrad has suggested that an extra fast bowler could play, which could put Harmer’s place under pressure.
England will then visit for three Tests in December and January. Those matches will be played at the Wanderers, SuperSport Park and Newlands.
South Africa will tour Sri Lanka in February and March. Maharaj took his best Test figures of 9/129 in Colombo in 2018.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.