Tabraiz Shamsi has returned to South Africa owing to family reasons from the series in Sri Lanka. No date has yet been set for the left-arm spinner’s return.
South Africa lost the first Test by 278 runs but Shamsi impressed in the outing with figures of 3 for 91 and 1 for 37. The visitors will now heavily rely on Keshav Maharaj to do the job and might turn to uncapped leg-spinner Shaun von Berg for the second Test in Colombo, starting on July 20.
Von Berg has played 96 first-class games and has 345 wickets at an average of 28.31. Ahead of the series, selection convenor Linda Zondi cited von Berg’s batting ability as something that could give South Africa a different way of balancing their side when they get to Sri Lanka.
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Apart from his experience and bowling, the visitors will certainly hope he steps up with the bat, especially after the batsmen managed just 126 and 73 in the two innings of the series opener in Galle.
