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 the second test against West Indies on Saturday.
Maharaj sustained a “complete rupture" of the tendon, Cricket South Africa said, and will meet with a surgeon on Monday.
The unusual injury saw Maharaj carried off the Wanderers field on a stretcher minutes after he got his second wicket in South Africa's series-clinching 284-run 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 floor and clutched his left leg.
{{/usCountry}}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 floor and clutched his left leg.
{{/usCountry}}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 2-0.