South Africa all-rounder Keshav Maharaj has admitted that the “hat-trick” ball he bowled was not the greatest one while crediting Wiaan Mulder for grabbing a blinder to help him make history in Test cricket in the second and final Test against the West Indies.
On Monday, June 21, Maharaj became only the second South African bowler and the first in more than 60 years for the Proteas to take a hat-trick in Test cricket against the West Indies after Geoff Griffin who took South Africa's first hat-trick in a Test at Lord's 1960.
The spinner turned the game in South Africa’s favor in the 37th over by removing Kieron Powell (51), who was caught by Anrich Nortje at deep midwicket followed by Jason Holder (0) and then Da Silva (0) – who edged the ball down the leg side only for Wiaan Mulder to take an amazing catch and Maharaj scripted history.
Mulder dove to his right and took a stunning reflex catch to help Maharaj get the hat-trick and the veteran cricketer it was a superb catch and he will give him a party for his brilliant job, as South Africa whitewashed the West Indies in the recent two-match Test series.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Maharaj said: “I probably could have bowled a much better ball than that, but full credit to Wiaan for plucking that catch. It was a superb reaction catch and whatever Wiaan wants to eat or drink tonight, it will probably be on me.”
Meanwhile, Proteas head coach Mark Boucher said on the hat-trick ball, “I felt for Da Silva coming in. He wasn't expecting to come out and it was probably Kesh's worst ball of the lot. Kesh has put so much hard work into his action and his skill work. He is bowling closer to the stumps and attacking the stumps a lot more. It's moments like these he will remember for the rest of his career.”
He added, “Coming in on the fourth day and picking up a five-for as a spinner is something you want to do, especially in the last innings. He will enjoy this one and take a lot of confidence going forward.”
On being a spinner in South Africa he faces the challenge to come into the fore, Maharaj noted: “It's hard being a spinner. Luckily the mindset has changed towards spin bowling in the country and if I can be a catalyst to make that better, then I am doing half my job.”
The spinner further added, “Apart from trying to put in performances, I think it's important to try to set an example to the younger spinners out there who eventually will play Test cricket that there definitely is a future for spin bowling in our country.
I didn't even know that the last Test series we won away from home was in 2017. This team wants to move in a different direction. This was the first obstacle we had to overcome and the boys will celebrate the series win.”
On being asked will they do it with any late-night karaoke after the Test series win, he said: “We're just having some fun. There are long days and hard days of Test cricket, so it's nice to have a vent before you go onto the field and keep the buzz going into the changeroom, but I don't think I am entering Idols anytime soon.”
Maharaj signed off by saying, “Keegs and I play a lot of cricket together at home. We enjoy each other's company, talking nonsense and singing nonsense.”
