XtraTime Web Desk: South Africa’s ace spinner Keshav Maharaj has expressed his desired to be as consistent as India’s spin twins- Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin during the upcoming three-match Test series against India which is set to begin from Wednesday. The orthodox left-arm spinner, who has scalped 94 wickets from just 25 Tests is looking to make life “uncomfortable” for the Indian top-order.
“It is nice that people speak highly of you. Look at Jadeja and Ashwin. Ashwin has got a lot of variations and Jadeja keeps it simple but the key is consistency and that make it uncomfortable for the batsmen. I can (want to) emulate that going forward and do my job from one end,” said Maharaj, who is on his maiden Test tour of India. Spin will hold key but reverse swing can also play a huge role in the series, he said.
“You got to expect the ball to turn in the sub-continent and that is why people carry an extra spinner here. As far as bowling to Indian batsmen goes, you can only Test yourself against the best. The series will tell me how good I am and if I belong here in international cricket,” Maharaj said.
“Besides spin, reverse swing will be key. Every bowling unit everywhere in the world likes to utilise if reverse swing is available. India have got strong bowlers including Mohammad Shami, who is unplayable at times. If it starts to reverse, then we have also got amazing bowlers, who can utilise the conditions.” The South Africa pace attack comprises Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
India will be without the services of their lethal weapon Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the series due to a stress fracture in the lower back. Maharaj said India will miss him badly.
“It is a big loss for India. He has turned the whole Test side for India in terms of playing in various conditions but lets face it India have enough quality to replace him. Umesh Yadav is another world class bowler.” South Africa got a decent hit in the middle in the one-off practice game despite the rain with Aiden Markram (100), Temba Bavuma (87) and Philander (47) getting some much needed in the middle. Maharaj struck thrice in that game.