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SA vs NZ CT 2025: South Africa Call Up Spin-Bowling All-Rounder As Cover For Injured Markram
Follow UsBecause of dry conditions, help to spinners and him being in great form in SA20 2025, the player was selected by South Africa
Aiden Markram’s injury in the group stage encounter against England forced South Africa to call up George Linde, a spin-bowling all-rounder, as a cover for him ahead of their all-important semi-final clash against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 5 (Wednesday).
The all-rounder, according to ESPN Cricinfo, will join the Proteas setup in Lahore on March 4 (Tuesday) evening. The exact time has been earmarked for Markram’s fitness test to assess whether he will be able to play in the semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore or not.
Linde, who has played three Tests, two ODIs and 16 T20Is for the national team, will not join the squad officially until and unless Markram is declared unfit and is ruled out of the tournament. The ICC's event technical committee will then confirm the swap.
Linde’s addition as cover to the squad comes in the wake of South Africa’s likely chances of playing the final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai against India. Because of dry conditions, assistance for the spinners, and with Linde being in great form (11 wickets & 161 wickets in SA20 2025), Linde’s selection makes a lot of sense.
South Africa only have two spinners in their squad - Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, but only Maharaj has got game time so far. India played four spinners against New Zealand in their last group-stage game in Dubai.
