South Africa make four changes for 2nd West Indies Test; Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer included

Keshav Maharaj (Photo by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images)

South Africa have announced four changes in the XI for the second Test match against West Indies. The Proteas have added spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer for the second Test of the two-match series, which will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from March 8.

The spin duo has come in as a replacement for Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen. Notably, Muthusamy was played as the only spinner in the first Test in Centurion. He bowled eight overs and failed to claim a wicket. Meanwhile, pacer Anrich Nortje will miss the final Test of the series as he has been advised rest following a groin injury he sustained in the first game.

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder are the two other players who are coming into the XI with Keegan Petersen, who made 14 and 7 in the Centurion Test, missing out. Heinrich Klaasen, who kept wickets in the first Test, has retained his place. He would likely continue as the wicketkeeper in Johannesburg.

South Africa lead the series 1-0

South Africa registered an 87-run win in first game against West Indies in Centurion. Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. Aiden Markram scored a brilliant century (115 off 174) and Dean Elgar’s 71 helped the Proteas to post a mammoth 342 runs. The visitors were bundled out for 212 in response, with Raymon Reifer scoring a half-century.

During the second innings, Bavuma and Co. could score only 116 runs to set he visitors a target of 247. However, West Indies were dismissed for just 159 as Kagiso Rabada claimed six wickets for 50 and guided South Africa to a 1-0 lead.

South Africa XI for second Test: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee

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