Maharaj becomes most successful Test spinner in South Africa’s history

History was scripted on August 17 (Saturday) at the Providence Stadium in Guyana as Keshav Maharaj became South Africa’s most successful Test spinner ever, surpassing Hugh Tayfield’s 64-year-old record to become the highest wicket-taking spinner for the Proteas in Test cricket.

Maharaj, who had picked up eight wickets in the first Test in Port of Spain, entered the second Test needing four wickets to equal Tayfield and five wickets to surpass the late off-spinner. 

After taking two wickets in the first innings and after removing Gudakesh Motie in the 53rd over of the second innings, the left-arm spinner equalled Tayfield on Day 3 by trapping Joshua Da Silva right in front in the 55th over of the West Indies’ chase.

12 overs later, he scripted history by dismissing Jayden Seales. Maharaj (171) is now the outright highest wicket-taking spinner in the Proteas’ Test history.

It’s been a historic series for Maharaj in many ways. South Africa were unable to win the first Test in Port of Spain due to rain, but the left-arm spinner bowled a marathon spell in the first innings of that Test, where he delivered 40 overs unchanged. It was the longest-ever spell by any bowler in the last 15 years in Tests.

Overall, in Port of Spain, Maharaj delivered 44.7% of the team’s total overs. No South African bowler has endured a heavier workload in the last 45 years of Test cricket. 

Maharaj’s stupendous efforts in the series have put South Africa back in the race to make the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. They are now fifth on the table, with a PCT of 38.89%. 

The Proteas’ next assignment is a two-Test series at home against Sri Lanka, who are placed fourth with a PCT of 50.00%.

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