South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed his frustration on Thursday with what he described as a “very tough tour” ahead against Australia’s formidable batting line-up.
With Australia roaring to 475/4 at stumps on the second day of the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Proteas have conceded over a thousand runs and taken just twelve wickets in the last two innings of bowling. Maharaj caught-and-bowled Steven Smith for 104 for the first wicket of the series in the final Test of the rubber.
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“It was a very tough tour,” Maharaj said. “At the start of this game, we expected the pitch to be a bit more wet. I think the weather has been a big factor, the pitch has been a bit wet.
“I haven’t changed much, I still work hard. Sometimes you just have ups and downs in your career, maybe I just got a little tired, I don’t know. I wish I had a machine that could just plug in.
“It’s a good pitch in Australia and there’s not as much spin as elsewhere in the world, although there’s a lot of bounce to it. And bowling when you’re behind the eight ball is tough, with pitches spread out and in-batsmen.
“This is a consistent thing and I probably haven’t, I have dished up some, which is something I have to address. It should keep the mind fresh than other bowling,” said Maharaj.
One of the best
South Africa’s first choice spinner said Australia has one of the best batting line-ups in the game and they have been able to dominate thanks to the platform laid in front of them. David Warner scored twice in the second Test in Melbourne, and opening partner Usman Khawaja’s 195 not out at the end of the second day in Sydney.
“Fair play to Australia, the opening batsman has created a good foundation to play freely. But you can’t take anything away from the batsmen, they are very sound, their plans are clear and they stick to them.
“Usman is a different player with spin from here in 2016 and in South Africa in 2018/19, he plays all over the wicket, takes chances to score goals and he has very good hands.
“Travis Head is probably one of the best bowlers in international cricket and he’s played well, scoring fifties in three Tests. Coming from a front-mounted platform, he gives us licence.
“This is one of the more experienced batting line-ups and the top order is making sure that there is a strong base so that the middle order can play aggressively. Australia’s batting line-up is one of the best in the world,” Maharaj said.
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