Keshav Maharaj (Twitter)
Keshav Maharaj said he was happy to get the opportunity to play the two-match Test series against the West Indies. The left-arm spinner asserted that he is loyal to the game and takes a lot of pride in playing the longest format.
After the first Test between South Africa and the West Indies ended in a draw, the second and final encounter in Guyana was won by the Proteas on Saturday, August 17, by 40 runs. Maharaj was the star performer in the two Tests and finished as the leading wicket-taker, bagging 13 wickets at an average of 16.08. He was awarded Player of the Series for his scintillating performance.
“I just want to play. I wanted an opportunity. I am happy to get a chance. I tried to play in England. They indicated me what they wanted of me. I just try keep doing my best. I just tried to bowl wobble seam balls. When I try to swing, I lose my lines. Basically, I tried to bowl it at the sticks,” Maharaj said after the game.
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I pride myself on Test cricket: Wiaan Mulder
Seam-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder had an excellent outing, especially in the second game. He scored a crucial 34 in the second innings after registering a duck in the first. With the ball, he took four and two wickets, respectively in the first and second innings. After winning the Player of the Match award, Mulder spoke about how he prides himself on playing Test cricket.
“Was nice to get a long haul. We did well. We enjoyed it. Lot of positives. But back to the drawing board and on to the next one. I pride myself on Test cricket. Just staying loyal to the game. Bavuma allows me to read the game,” said the player of the match.
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Chasing a target of 263 in the fourth innings, the Caribbean side was struggling at 104/6 before Gudakesh Motie and Joshua Da Silva stitched a spirited 77-run partnership. However, Maharaj broke the partnership by dismissing Motie for a well-compiled 45. He also accounted for the big wicket of Da Silva and eventually put the final nail in the coffin by dismissing No. 11 batter Jayden Seales to give South Africa a memorable series win.