Don’t write off champions: Nathan Lyon on Kohli’s recent batting slump
The Australian team must be hoping to take advantage of Virat Kohli’s prolonged batting slump when the two sides clash in the five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the third and final Test against India to be held at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium from October 19. George Linde has been announced as his replacement.
Maharaj injured his right-shoulder on day two of the second test which was won by India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) International Stadium in Pune on Sunday. Despite being injured, the off-spinner scored his maiden half-century, making 72 to bring some respite in a depleted Proteas batting performance.
#CSAnews George Linde to replace Keshav Maharaj https://t.co/GQbsgy4HoD pic.twitter.com/3xcseDLRux
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— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 13, 2019
The South African team doctor Ramjee Hashendra informed that after assessing the reports of his MRI the team management decided to rest him for the final test and announced that left-arm spinner Linde will take his place in the final eleven.
“An MRI showed 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 reassessed this morning particularly with regards to bowling and showed significant discomfort during bowling. Based on this morning’s assessment and the findings of the MRI, the medical team feels that he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days’ time,” Cricket South Africa wrote in their official press release.
Meanwhile, India defeated South Africa in the second Test by an innings and 137 runs and to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series. Indian skipper Virat Kohli was adjudged the man of the match for his record-breaking 254 not-out in the first innings. After what has been dismal performance so far, the visitors would be hoping to not finish the tour with a defeat.
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