South Africa's never-say-die attitude stands out: Keshav Maharaj ready for WTC Final

India Today

2 days ago

South Africa's left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes that discipline and precise execution of their game plans will be crucial to securing victory in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. With the high-stakes encounter set to commence on 11 June at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, Maharaj emphasised the importance of focus and thorough preparation as South Africa pursues its maiden WTC title.advertisementMaharaj made his international debut in a Test match against Australia at the WACA nine years ago. Now, with 57 Tests behind him, the experienced left-arm spinner is set to take on the same opponent in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025.Since that debut, Maharaj has grown into a key figure in the South African setup. In a team traditionally driven by pace, he has filled a long-standing spin void while also emerging as a respected voice in the dressing room.
"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.Returning from a prolonged break, the 35-year-old is eager to contribute in the one-off Test against Pat Cummins' side. While his numbers against Australia – 22 wickets at an average of 45 – may not jump off the page, Maharaj has played a crucial role in South Africa's path to the final, taking 40 wickets in just eight matches in this WTC cycle.advertisement"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."South Africa and Australia have shared a fierce history in ICC knockout matches, including the dramatic semi-finals of the 1999 and 2023 World Cups, both won by Australia. Maharaj knows the scale of the challenge his side faces."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," he said.Still, this South African team arrives in London with momentum, having won their last seven Tests."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.advertisement"What Shuks and Temba 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."South Africa will also take heart from their strong record at Lord's. Since their return to international cricket in 1991, they have won five Test matches at the historic venue."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."While his attention is firmly on the final, Maharaj is also on the verge of a personal milestone. With 198 wickets, he is just two short of becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 in Test cricket."I never really thought about it. 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," Maharaj said."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."Must Watch