5 reasons why Keshav Maharaj can be South Africa's long-term spin option

Keshav Maharaj’s career in International cricket has got off to a blistering start. He is currently plying his trade for South Africa in their Test series against England. Also, he is currently South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in the series with 14 wickets.

South Africa, after a disappointing outcome in the first Test, drew level in the series on the backs of a couple of 3-wicket hauls by the Durban born spinner. While he has been difficult to get away, the English batsmen have also found it difficult to adjust to his guile and trajectory.

In our article, we take an insight into the reasons why Keshav Maharaj can be an answer to South Africa’s search of a quality spinner.

#5 A wicket-taking spinner for a change

The South African cricket team, over the years, has produced fast bowlers of the highest quality.

From the likes of Alan Donald and Dale Steyn to Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas pacers have been able to make a name for themselves in the sport.

However, in the spin department, South Africa has lacked bite and has always struggled to run through oppositions even on turning tracks.

They mostly bowled a defensive line and length and were used to put a check on the runs. Keshav Maharaj’s role has somewhat been different.

Maharaj hasn’t played a single game in sub-continent conditions and yet has 36 wickets to his name in the 9 completed Tests he has played for South Africa and is a wicket-taking prospect for the Proteas.

#4 A lot of cricket left in him

New Zealand v South Africa - 2nd Test: Day 3

Often, we see that spinners go on to play the game in their late 30s. Some of them even play after turning 40. Spinners can prolong their career to a certain extent. Keshav Maharaj has displayed exemplary promise in the limited opportunities he got.

He made his debut last year against Australia in Perth and picked up 4 wickets at a frugal economy rate.

Afterwards, he impressed against Sri Lanka and New Zealand by adding to the wickets column on almost every occasion.

The left-arm spinner is just 27 years old and has a long career ahead of him. Provided he continues with his rich vein of form and stays fit, he can be an asset for the South African team going into the future.

#3 Experience of first-class cricket

New Zealand v South Africa - 1st Test: Day 3

Keshav Maharaj does not have a fair amount of experience in the International circuit. However, one cannot discount the experience of 89 first class games in the domestic arena, where he is representing the KwaZulu-Natal since November 2006.

They say that playing international cricket is a completely different ball-game from domestic cricket.

However, the experience gained in domestic cricket can’t be overlooked. Maharaj brought all that experience into play and has bamboozled the best in the business, representing South Africa.

He has been a prolific wicket taker for the KwaZulu-Natal team, with 319 wickets with best match figures of 13/157. He also has racked up as many as 16 five-wicket hauls and 13 four-wicket hauls in first class cricket.

#2 Ability to bowl long spells

Sometimes, as spinners, a bowler has to go through long spells where they tirelessly keep probing away at the batsman to outfox them.

While the concentration level of the spinner should be top notch, the fingers also takes a beating in an attempt to impart spin to the ball.

Nevertheless, Keshav Maharaj has displayed that he has the ability and endurance to bowl long spells.

In his debut Test at Perth, he bowled a humungous 40 overs in Australia’s second innings on a wicket which traditionally isn’t known for assisting the spinners.

During the 3rd Test of South Africa’s tour of New Zealand in Hamilton, Maharaj went on to bowl a staggering 50 overs and also turned out to be their most economical bowler in that innings.

#1 Ability to adjust to non-spin friendly conditions

New Zealand v South Africa - 2nd Test: Day 1

Bowling on spin-fielding conditions is not a very hefty challenge for a specialist spinner. Nonetheless, bowling on wickets which aren’t conducive to spin-bowling is bound to test the temperament and stamina of the best spin bowlers.

Keshav Maharaj hasn’t played a single match on traditionally turning tracks, but that has not restricted him from adding to the wickets tally.

He hasn’t played a single game on sub-continent wickets, but has been clever enough to get the better of batsmen.

During South Africa’s tour of New Zealand, he first churned out figures of 28.3-7-94-5 in Dunedin and then registered his best figures of 20.2-7-40-6 in the second Test in Wellington.

He has all the skills in his armoury to be considered as one of the best spinners going.