Keshav Maharaj's participation in South Africa's vital two-Test home series against Pakistan remains uncertain as the home team's premier spin bowler is down with a left adductor strain.
The first Test begins on December 26.
The spinner's absence from the last two ODIs against Pakistan in Cape Town on Thursday and Johannesburg on Sunday is confirmed. However, the greater concern lies in the 34-year-old's fitness for the upcoming Test series.
For the ODIs, Bjorn Fortuin has been called up as Maharaj's replacement.
Currently leading the World Test Championship standings, South Africa require a victory in either of the two Tests against Pakistan to secure their spot in the Lord's final scheduled for June next year.
In the event of Maharaj's unavailability, Senuran Muthusamy stands as the sole specialist spinner in the Test squad, albeit with less experience.
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