The road to any final is dotted with small moments which, ultimately, add up to make the difference in the end. The Proteas Men qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final on June 11 thanks to an unforgettable spell of success on the road.
Winning a test match in Asia is something they hadn’t done since Galle 2014. Having routed Bangladesh for just 106 in the first innings of the first test against Bangladesh at Mirpur, in Dhaka, South Africa looked on course to change that statistic after a decade.
But, as they closed in on a priceless win, they found themselves playing against Mother Nature as well as the opposition.
“In their second innings, there was a lot of bad weather around and bad light. Basically, all the things you don’t expect when you play in Bangladesh,” Proteas veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj recalls.
For a decade, Maharaj has become the answer when questions are asked of South Africa in test cricket. And so, as the Bangladesh duo of Mehidy Hasan Mirza (97) and Jaker Ali (58) looked to wrestle the initiative back for the hosts, Maharaj knew that another answer was needed.
“We were in the dressing-room, during one of the breaks, and I remember KG (Kagiso Rabada) and I just had a look between us. We basically said that we are going to turn this thing around now and win this match.”
The rest is history. Rabada finished with six scalps, and Maharaj with three, including the decisive break when he trapped Ali leg before. From there, the path to the championship match became a lot clearer.
“When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude really 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 explains.
Under coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, the Proteas test side has evolved into a tight, brotherly bond, and Maharaj said they feed off each other.
“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.”
Since his debut in 2016, Maharaj has grown to be an elder statesman in the team, regarded as critical in the leadership core that shapes the culture.
“It’s been nearly ten years now, so I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,” Maharaj smiles.
In that decade, a lot of things have changed – on and off the field.
As he speaks, the 35-year-old has his daughter at close quarters, and he has spent the past two months happily playing the role of doting dad.
“The last ten weeks, I haven’t played any cricket. It is one of those rare breaks, and it has allowed me to have a really special time at home as a dad. I haven’t really had a chance to do that yet.”
He has, however, been eyeing up 11 June as a massive opportunity for the team and the country.
“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,” he adds with relish.
“I know there are so many South Africans going over, and that is really awesome to see and feel the support that we have. 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 noted.
Despite those odds, there is a steely confidence in this Proteas team.
“We know that it is a crucial, once-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 and his left-arm spin bowling have been central to those plans, and he now stands on the brink of a breakthrough achievement for South African spinners.
With 198 test wickets to his name, he needs two more at Lord’s to become the first spinner in South African history to reach the mark.
“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.”
But, having played a key role in shifting the mindset when it comes to spin bowling being a weapon in South Africa, he admits that he hopes to add plenty more to the tally.
“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.”
The WTC final sits in the same week as Father’s Day. His daughter and wife will join Maharaj in London, as too will his parents.
“It will be a special week. Everyone knows that my father has been my biggest supporter throughout my career, and to be able to share that week with him, but also as a dad myself, is just amazing. But we have a job to do.”
The ultimate prize, Maharaj says, will be taking his daughter for a walk on Lord’s, with the test mace in hand.