Key players are missing for South Africa against Australia, but Keshav Maharaj is back in the lineup.

After being completely and publicly humiliated by Australia in the series opener, South Africa is attempting to bounce back as they get ready to play them in the second T20I of the series.

Keshav Maharaj, the seasoned left-arm spinner, has recently received approval for selection despite missing time with the club due to injury, according to a recent development. While Marco Jansen will miss games for a different cause, the team will be without important players like Sisanda Magala and Wayne Parnell.

South Africa is relieved that Keshav Maharaj is back with the white-ball teams. His injury-related absence from international cricket since March had left a gap that needed to be filled. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) just issued a statement confirming his availability, beginning with the second T20I. The team now has more optimism thanks to his strong performance in a preseason 50-over game, especially in light of their humiliating 111-run loss to Australia in the first T20I.

According to a CSA official quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, Keshav Maharaj “has progressed positively and he is ahead of where we thought he would be, so things look positive.”

On the other hand, Sisanda Magala‘s left knee injury has prevented him from playing in the second T20I. In order for him to participate in the third T20 International, the medical staff at CSA will manage his illness. Wayne Parnell will not participate in the series due to a left shoulder ailment. As a result, the team has few options for fast bowling, particularly now that Marco Jansen has been discharged from the team to attend his sister’s wedding.

Jansen, who played in the first T20I, was absent, further reducing the squad’s supply of quick bowlers. In order to overcome their bowling deficiencies as the series against Australia progresses, South Africa will need to rely on a combination of seasoned veterans like Maharaj and emerging talents.