Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder Picked In South Africa Test Squad Against Pakistan Despite Injuries

Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder have been included in South Africa's Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, starting on December 26 in Centurion, despite being on varied stages of their respective injuries. Maharaj sustained an acute groin strain on Tuesday during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan at Boland Park in Paarl. Cricket South Africa (CSA) said Maharaj will undergo a scan on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. Mulder's inclusion comes as he completed the final phase of his recovery from a fractured right middle finger, which kept him out of the second Test against Sri Lanka. If Mulder is selected for the first Test, CSA said batter Matthew Breetzke will be released from the squad.

Seamer Corbin Bosch, 30, has earned his maiden call-up to the Test side. Bosch has been in fine form in first-class cricket, picking an overall tally of 72 wickets at an average of 36.75 and an economy rate of 3.24 across 34 matches.

He also averages over 40 with the bat, showcasing his all-round ability. Bosch recently featured in the SA Invitational XI side that defeated England Lions in Cape Town, where he took 1-21. Joining him in the squad is uncapped seamer Kwena Maphaka, who was part of the squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka.

"In terms of our own squad, we have added Corbin to the mix. His all-round ability with both bat and ball adds depth and his pace brings an extra bite to our attack, so we're excited to see him make that step up to Test cricket.

"Dane Paterson really impressed us against Sri Lanka and we look forward to seeing him again. Overall, the pace attack is a really good one. We are keeping a close eye on Kesh (Keshav Maharaj) and hope his injury is not too