Maharaj proves to be the perfect Proteas spinner

South African cricket has always had an almost vulgar obsession with fast bowling: tall, athletic, loose-limbed men charging in delivering thunderbolts.

Nothing subtle about rattling the rib-cages of the opposition batting line-ups. And it gained even greater traction after the country’s readmission to international cricket back in 1991.

Coaches and captains came and went, but the inherent culture remained with the art of spin bowling resigned to the backwaters. Omar Henry was the first spin bowler trialled after unity with the veteran left-armer being utilised solely to hold up an end while the prized race horses charged in from the other.

Others such as Clive Eksteen were later called upon and treated in a similar disdainful manner.

It was only when Paul Adams, the wrist spinner with ‘the frog-in-a-blender action’, burst on the domestic scene in spectacular fashion during the mid-1990s did perceptions start changing amid the realisation that spin could actually be used as a strike weapon.

Unfortunately, due to a combination of injuries and loss of form, Adams was jettisoned to the backwaters once again just as he was closing on the legendary Hugh Tayfield’s previous national record of 170 wickets.

Adams eventually finished with 134 wickets in 45 Tests at a strike rate of 66.04. After the Adams era, South Africa reverted to the formulaic left-arm spin of Nicky Boje and Paul Harris with a brief dalliance with Imran Tahir’s leg-spin.

It was not until Keshav Maharaj’s Test debut at the unlikeliest of all places, the Waca in Perth – fast bowling’s spiritual heaven – that the Proteas finally found their perfect prototype of the spinner they desired.

Maharaj possessed the dual ability to bowl marathon spells to aid the fast bowlers’ recovery, but also had the skill, guile and wit to strike when his team needed it most.

Maharaj’s maiden Test victim was none other than the former Australian Test captain Steve Smith. On Sunday, West Indies tailender Jaydon Seals became Maharaj’s 171st – thereby pushing Maharaj past Tayfield as South Africa’s most successful Test spinner.

It was also the 34-year-old’s 13th wicket across the two Tests, which earned him the Player-of-the-Series award.

Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad refers to Maharaj as “Mr Reliable” for his extraordinary work ethic and dedication to his craft. And in true Maharaj fashion, he shied away from the personal plaudits and instead shifted the praise towards his teammates for closing out the 1-0 series win.

“For a team that is in a transition phase we really did well to come away with this success,” Maharaj said.

“Was nice to get a long haul. We did well. We enjoyed it. Lots of positives. But back to the drawing board and on to the next one. I pride myself on Test cricket. Just staying loyal to the game.

“Getting ready for Test cricket is always part of my plan, no matter what other formats I play. I always have a red ball in my bag.”

It is often stated any spinner’s success is largely dependent on the relationship shared with the skipper – and even more so in the South African context where there is heavy reliance on fast bowling. And that’s why Maharaj is grateful to have captain Temba Bavuma in his corner.

“He trusts spin and backs spin,” Maharaj explained. “He allows me to read the game and brings his input as well. It’s a privilege to be in a side led by him.”

Maharaj will certainly be looking to extend his record on the Proteas’ forthcoming tour to the spin-friendly pitches of Bangladesh in October.