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Keshav-Maharaj. (Photo source: X)

South African spinner stated that he is excited to get back with the team after a prolonged break. The left-arm spinner made his international debut for the Proteas against Australia in a Test match at the WACA. Now, after 57 Tests, Maharaj returns to face the same opponent in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025.

Maharaj has displayed his immense talent during this period and has been a the backbone in the spin department for South Africa. He has scalped 22 wickets at an average of 45 against Australia in the longest format, bowling on pitches that are not particularly helpful for spinners. He also picked 40 wickets in the eight games in the WTC 2023-25 cycle.

“I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,” Maharaj told Cricket South Africa. “Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus. I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don’t need any motivation to play a final against Australia.”

We will bring down Australian powerhouse: Maharaj

The two teams share a significant history in ICC knockout clashes, including the 1999 and 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals, both of which were won by Australia. Maharaj noted that the pressure surrounding the upcoming clash goes without saying.

“We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats,” Maharaj stated.

Australia is the only team to win all senior Men’s ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles. He conceded that this South African side has won its last seven Tests in a row, a form that could potentially bring the Australian juggernaut to a halt.

“When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that’s what really matters,” Maharaj said.

“What Shuks [Shukri Conrad] and Temba [Bavuma] have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special,” he added.

We have great record at Lord's: Maharaj

The 35-year-old acknowledged that the Proteas have a great record at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, where they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991. His focus will be on winning their first senior Men’s title since 1998.

Maharaj is also on the verge to a rare landmark as he is set to become the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets. He currently has 198 wickets in the red-ball format.

“We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord’s as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans,” Maharaj said.

“I never really thought about it [200 wickets]. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don’t really matter, as long as the team is winning. Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country,” he concluded.

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