Since debuting in November 2016, coincidentally against the Aussies, he’s been a regular fixture in the Proteas XI, and it is no fluke that his wicket-taking production continues to be a phenomenon the team not only relies on, but expects.
And wickets aren’t the only thing South Africa’s players have grown to expect from their chief spinner. Maharaj’s work ethic, emphatically confirmed by teammates, is about as predictable as it gets.
Fellow bowler Lungi Ngidi was willing to ‘put the house’ on Maharaj being the first cricketer to arrive at Lord’s on Wednesday and commence his preparations while the rest of the team are still starting their mornings back at the team hotel.
“Just the work ethic that he has, I don’t think anyone can match it,” Ngidi exclusively told ICC Digital.
“I can probably put my house on it (that) he’ll be the first cricketer out there on Wednesday. He will be on the early bus with management; while they’re setting up, he’s bowling. By the time we arrive, he’s probably bowled 10-15 overs already, and the game hasn’t even started. That’s the type of person Keshav is.
“I’m not surprised that he’s about to reach this milestone and I know there’s plenty more to come for him.”
