South Africa spin bowler Keshav Maharaj requires surgery and is facing a long absence from cricket after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left heel while celebrating a wicket in a Test match against the West Indies.
Key points:
- Maharaj sustained the injury as he celebrated a successful TV review of an LBW decision
- He slumped to the pitch and clutched his left leg soon after the celebration turned awry
- Cricket South Africa said he suffered a “complete rupture” of the tendon
Maharaj sustained a “complete rupture” of the tendon during the celebration on Saturday, Cricket South Africa said, and will meet with a surgeon on Monday.
The unusual injury saw Maharaj carried off the Wanderers Stadium field on a stretcher minutes after he got his second wicket in South Africa’s series-clinching 284-run second Test win.
He later reappeared on crutches and with his left foot in a moon boot.
Maharaj had appealed for LBW against Kyle Mayers, it was given not out, and the South Africans asked for a TV review.
The review was successful and Maharaj threw his arms out and took one step as he set off on a celebratory run, then suddenly slumped to the ground and clutched his left leg.
He lay on his stomach grimacing in pain as his teammates, who were all standing next to him in a huddle waiting for the review decision, tried to help before medics arrived.
Maharaj had figures of 2-4 off 2.5 overs and South Africa’s victory saw it sweep the two-Test series.
AP/ABC