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Keshav Maharaj Creates History; Becomes 1st South African Spinner To Take 200 Test Wickets

Aashay Chopade

Keshav Maharaj in Test cricket (Source: @@Aryaseen5911/X.com)Keshav Maharaj in Test cricket (Source: @@Aryaseen5911/X.com)

Keshav Maharaj, the captain of South Africa for the Zimbabwe Test series, has become the first spinner to take 200 wickets in the longest format for the rainbow nation. The left-arm spinner achieved the milestone in his 59th Test with a wicket of Craig Ervine in Zimbabwe's first innings.

Keshav Maharaj's Rise From Domestic Toil

Maharaj made his Test debut against Australia in 2016 and has since been a regular feature in the format. He got his chance in the national team after a long period of toil in first-class cricket. He has 629 wickets to his name in this format and is arguably the best spinner that South Africa have produced.

The second-most successful spinner for South Africa in Test cricket in terms of wickets is Hugh Tayfield. The third in the list is the unorthodox, Paul Adams, while Paul Harris and Nicky Boje occupy the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

List Of South African Spinners With Most Test Wickets

  • 200* - Keshav Maharaj 
  • 170 - Hugh Tayfield 
  • 134 - Paul Adams
  • 103 - Paul Harris
  • 100 - Nicky Boje

Keshav Maharaj, A Rare Versatile Spinner In South African Cricket

Overall, Keshav Maharaj is ninth on the list of leading wicket-takers for South Africa. He has picked wickets across the globe against quality opponents and was part of South Africa's WTC title-winning team against Australia. 

The left-arm spinner's most successful year as a Test bowler was in 2017, when he picked 48 wickets in just 11 Test matches. He has 86 Test wickets in South Africa at an average of 30.43 with six 5-wicket hauls, which speaks a lot about his ability to deliver even in pace-friendly conditions.

Now, as South Africa start their WTC title defence, Keshav Maharaj's role would be critical. The Proteas will play Test series in Pakistan and India, and the left-arm spinner will have to take on the main bowler's role in those conditions.