SA star may miss World Cup after suffering freak injury while celebrating

12 March 2023 , 11:23

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Keshav Maharaj was stretchered off after rupturing his Achilles (Image: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj ruptured his Achilles tendon while celebrating a wicket against the West Indies and the injury could force him to miss the upcoming 50-over World Cup.

Maharaj is a key member of South Africa's side across all formats and recently stood in as captain for their ODI series against England last summer. However, the 33-year-old is set to spend at least six months on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles.

And with the World Cup due to start in just seven months time, his involvement in the tournament is in doubt. Maharaj suffered the freak injury after a successful lbw review against Kyle Mayers as South Africa beat the West Indies by 284 runs in the final Test of the series.

As Mayers was given out, Maharaj attempted to set off on a celebratory run but immediately collapsed in agony. His teammates quickly called for medical attention and the spinner had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

"He hit the deck very quickly in celebration," said commentator Mike Haysman. "My goodness this is unusual. He's grabbed his Achilles, I'm no doctor but that looks like what he's grabbed."

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Fellow commentator and former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander added: "It certainly looked like his Achilles. Wow, you can almost feel the pain with him."

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Maharaj was subsequently taken to hospital for scans and he was later pictured wearing a moon boot on his left leg and walking with crutches. He was set to join Middlesex next month, having signed up to feature in the first four months of the county season, but they will now be forced to look for a replacement.

He is not the only cricketer to have suffered a freak injury in recent months, with England star Jonny Bairstow breaking his leg in three places and dislocating his ankle while playing golf with friends back in September.

Bairstow has not played since suffering the injury, but should be back in action in time for the Ashes. The 33-year-old recently started running again and could make his return at the IPL, where he was retained by the Punjab Kings franchise.

Matthew Cooper