Sri Lanka vs South Africa: Tabraiz Shamsi leaves the tour mid-way

Chinaman spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has flown back home mid-way through South Africa’s tour of Sri Lanka. The left-arm wrist spinner was a part of the Proteas XI in the first match and would’ve played a key role in the 2nd Test in Colombo. However, he might not be able to participate in the match as he had to leave the team and head back home immediately.

As of now, it is conveyed that Shamsi had to make the decision due to ‘family reasons’. There are no details with regards to whether or not he will be available again for any part of the tour. The game at Galle was the second Test match of his career and the first with the red ball. The chinaman made his debut against Australia in the pink ball Test played at the Adelaide Oval.

In the Galle Test, Shamsi was the workhorse in the first innings. He bowled a 20-over spell holding one end while the other bowlers were rotated at the other. Though the pitch didn’t do a lot on the first morning, he was consistent and stuck to the plans. While Keshav Maharaj proved to be the strike bowler with his wickets tally Shamsi supported him really well and made the opportunity count accounting for four wickets in the game.

Thus far in his career, the 28-year-old has played 2 Tests, 7 ODIs and 5 T20Is, his national team career hasn’t really taken off but with the increasing trend of wrist spinners dominating the scene Shamsi is expected to play a bigger part.

Shaun von Berg could debut

In case Shamsi isn’t back for the 2nd Test, the Proteas will hand leg-spinner, Shaun von Berg, his maiden cap. Like Galle, the wicket at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is expected to turn as well and considering the South African team’s performance in the previous game Sri Lanka will be tempted to roll out a turner which will ensure a 2-0 series win for the home team.

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