Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the second test of the South Africa tour of Zimbabwe, and left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy has been named as his replacement.

Maharaj sustained the injury while batting on day 03 of the first test, where South Africa won by a massive margin of 328 runs. The all-rounder Wiaan Mulder is set to lead the side in absence of Maharaj’s absence.

Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the left-arm spinner will be flying home for an assessment to determine the extent of his injury.

According to the CSA statement, Maharaj “sustained the injury while batting on day three of the first Test on Monday. He will return home for further assessment to determine the extent of the injury”.

“Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who was set to join the squad on Wednesday, has been released to give the seamers who impressed in the first Test another opportunity to build on their performances,” the statement added.

After the win in the first test, Keshav Maharaj said, “It was about getting them in the right frame of mind to execute, and they showed that throughout the four days.”

South Africa will now head into the second test with confidence, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 tests against Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile South Africa have also released Lungi Ngidi from the squad in order to give the pacers from the opening test another opportunity to make an impression.

South Africa has a pace attack of Codi Yusuf, Kwena Maphaka, Corbin Bosch and Mulder with Maharaj being the lone spinner.

The second test will be played between July 06 and 10 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.