Keshav Maharaj Returns to South Africa's T20I Squad for England Tour
Keshav Maharaj has been recalled to South Africa’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of England, marking his return to the shortest format after missing the last two series. The experienced left-arm spinner, currently the No.1 ranked ODI bowler, was absent from the tri-series in Zimbabwe and the Australia T20Is as the selectors explored other spin options. However, with the T20 World Cup looming, Maharaj has been brought back into the fold, joining fellow spinner Senuran Muthusamy in the squad.
Fast bowlers Marco Jansen and Lizaad Williams also make their comebacks after recovering from injuries. Jansen has been sidelined since the World Test Championship final in June due to a thumb injury requiring surgery, while Williams returns from knee surgery that kept him out since October 2024.
Veteran batter David Miller rejoins the T20I group after missing the Australia leg due to franchise commitments in The Hundred, where he is currently representing Northern Superchargers. Donovan Ferreira, playing for Oval Invincibles in the same tournament, will link up with the national side at its conclusion.
The return of these key players sees some notable omissions. Rassie van der Dussen, George Linde, and Nqaba Peter have been left out from the squad that faced Australia. Offspinner Prenelan Subrayen, who is currently under investigation for a suspect bowling action, also misses out as he prepares for testing in Brisbane.
Coach Shukri Conrad explained Maharaj's inclusion as part of a longer-term plan:
"We were experimenting with spin-bowling allrounders in our recent T20I series, and Keshav was always part of our broader plans. His return strengthens our spin options and brings calmness and leadership to the group."
South Africa will face England in three T20Is, preceded by a three-match ODI series. The ODI squad remains unchanged from the team that secured victory in Australia, with one notable update—Kwena Maphaka has been retained as cover for Kagiso Rabada, who is nursing an ankle injury. Rabada is expected to be available for the T20Is but will be assessed upon arrival in England.
"We are hopeful that he [Rabada] will be available for part of the ODI series," Conrad noted. "But we are prioritising T20I cricket and will take a conservative approach. We won't rush him back."
ODI captain Temba Bavuma, who is managing a hamstring injury sustained during the WTC final, is also being carefully managed. He featured in the first ODI in Australia, scoring his eighth career half-century, and is scheduled to play in the final match of that series.
This squad announcement is the first under new selection convener Patrick Moroney, who officially started on August 1. Moroney collaborates closely with head coach Conrad, rather than leading a panel, and has spent the past months evaluating talent across series.
"The recent tours to Zimbabwe and Australia were invaluable, allowing us to test different match-ups," Moroney said. "With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, we now have a strong base of players to choose from."
South Africa departs from Australia to England on August 25, with the first ODI set for September 2 in Leeds.
South Africa squad for England ODIs:
Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs
South Africa squad for England T20Is:
Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams
South Africa continues to build toward the 2026 T20 World Cup with a strong, balanced squad blending experience and exciting young talent.