Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj said he is a huge fan of Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. The two are set to face each other in a three-match Test series in South Africa.
Maharaj spoke on the eve of the final ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, IOL Sport reported. He said he had already met Lyon to talk about bowling.
“Growing up, I always used to watch him. I’m a huge fan; he is a legend,” Maharaj said.
“He’s one of the idols in terms of the finger spinners leading the way. What he’s done for Australian cricket is absolutely phenomenal,” he said.
Lyon was not part of the Australian ODI squad that played the Proteas over the past week. Maharaj said he bumped into him and the two had a good chat.
“I try to pick his brains as much as possible. We had some good chats after the series,” Maharaj said. “We don’t want to give away too much, but it’s more about the game in general rather than fine technical details.”
Maharaj said the two bowlers share the same view of their craft.
“We have the same philosophy that spinners should be the first on the team sheet,” he said. “Like Nathan, I love spin bowling. We’re passionate about it.”
“It’s just about inspiring the next generation when they do come through, and making sure that spinners always have a place within the team,” Maharaj said.
The pair first met on the field in 2016, when Maharaj made his Test debut at the WACA in Perth. Lyon had Maharaj caught at long-on in the first innings.
South Africa had only three fit specialist bowlers in the second Australian innings of that match. Maharaj bowled 40.1 overs and clean bowled Lyon, the last man. The Proteas won by 177 runs.
Maharaj bowls left-arm orthodox spin and made his debut five years after Lyon, who is a right-arm off-spinner.
South Africa has been a hard place for Lyon to take wickets. The 38-year-old has 28 wickets in nine Tests in the country at an average of 39.75, IOL Sport reported. Only Pakistan and the UAE have been less rewarding tours for him.
The Tests will be played at three coastal grounds, Kingsmead, St George’s Park and Newlands. IOL Sport reported that all three are expected to help spin bowlers.
Maharaj was careful about claims that the Kingsmead pitch will turn a lot in the first Test.
“Look, we don’t know what conditions are going to be like in Durban yet, so it’s about assessing them as we go,” he said.
“Durban is always a wonderful place to play cricket, and it’s a special opportunity for me to play at home. We’ll assess the conditions on the day and adapt accordingly,” Maharaj said.
The three-match Test series opens at Kingsmead in Durban, which is the home ground of Maharaj.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.