Upsurge in Patience: Maharaj Calls for 'Old-Fashioned Test Cricket' to Secure SA Series Leveler
As the Proteas head into the final day of the second Test against Sri Lanka, spinner Keshav Maharaj has urged his teammates to adopt a more patient and disciplined approach to bowling to secure a win and level the series. With a 143-run lead and 5 wickets still in hand, Maharaj believes that the key to dismissal lies in mastering the art of patience, particularly with the old ball, which becomes softer and more placid as the day progresses.
Maharaj, who reflected on the challenging conditions at St George's Park, where uneven bounce and turn have been a constant feature of the match, attributes the success of the South African bowlers in the morning session last time around to a combination of analysis, feel, and a willingness to adapt. The leg-spinner highlighted the importance of reading the pitch and being able to adjust his bowling style accordingly, which ultimately yielded 7 wickets in a cluster, something he believes can be repeated on the final day.
By applying discipline in their approach, Maharaj is confident that the Proteas can break the troubled stand between Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, who have proven to be a thorn in the side of the home team. With a win on the line, Maharaj knows that the Proteas will have to dig deep and stay patient, awaiting the right moment to strike. A single wicket, he believes, could be the catalyst for a Sri Lankan collapse, exposing their tail and giving the Proteas the chance to gain the upper hand.
The Proteas, with a win within their grasp, will be looking to draw level the series and put themselves on the path to the World Test Championship final. Maharaj, however, remains forthright in his approach, focusing on the present and the need for his teammates to demonstrate the same level of discipline and patience that has served them so well in the past, particularly in their earlier successes against Sri Lanka when they out bowled their opponents to secure victory.
