Keshav Maharaj keen to learn spin-bowling tricks from the legendary Rangana Herath

Keshav Maharaj has emerged as the best spinner in South Africa over the last couple of years. He has bowled well on the pitches which are not helpful for the tweakers and it is no surprise he is playing as the first-choice spinner in Sri Lanka. He is now excited to learn the bag of tricks from the legendary Rangana Herath who has the ability to run through any batting line-up with his wily left-arm spin bowling.

Maharaj went wicketless in the 17 overs he delivered in the first innings of Galle Test. But he proved his mettle by picking 4 wickets in the second attempt which helped South Africa restrict the hosts. He will be eager to make an impact in the final game starting on Friday and his role will be even more crucial if his team manages to win the toss.

Comparatively, Herath was spot on from the word go in Galle which eventually made the difference. He returned with the figures of 5/77 and never allowed the batsmen to get away. His partnership with Dilruwan Perera proved to be the nemesis for the visitors who crumbled without putting up a fight.

His consistency is phenomenal

Keshav Maharaj, ahead of the second and final Test match, praised Herath for the way he controls the proceedings at will and keeps the batsmen at bay all the time. He is also hoping to pick his brain up before leaving the island nation after the Test series.

“I think Herath’s consistency is phenomenal. Left-arm spinners are known to control the game, but he does something special – he turns the ball at will and slides the ball on at will. It’s something that I’d love to learn in my trade and get some knowledge from him,” he was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

“I did speak to him in South Africa, and he did give me some insight, but I’d like to pick his brain more about playing in subcontinent conditions because he’s the best in the world at what he does,” the 28-year-old added.

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