Maharaj lauds Proteas' driven youngsters for Test revival
The Protea lead spinner feels the youngsters have added fresh energy that has helped in the smooth team transition.
Keshav Maharaj has been a key member in South Africa's journey to The World Test Championship final that began with three losses out of the four Tests in this cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
The Proteas saw through the transition phase with new young players coming in, went on to top the WTC points table and will now take on Australia in the Final at Lord's from 11 June. Only three players in South Africa's World Test Championship final squad have experience of playing 50 Tests or more and Maharaj is one of them.
Speaking on the role of a senior ahead of the Ultimate Test, Maharaj felt the core of four-five experienced players have always tried to be a shoulder for them.
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Keshav Maharaj hails South Africa's recent rise in Test cricket heading into the World Test Championship Final against Australia.
"Since the time the transition came, when the Test side started its journey, we've always been the support and tried to be there to support them both on and off the field.
"In terms of this week coming (ahead of the big final), just to settle the nerves, make sure everyone's nice and calm and focused on what we have, the task at hand."
Maharaj added that the support was a two-way factor since the young energy augurs well with the brand of cricket that the Proteas aim to play and helped the team transition nicely.
"I think they've also been a support for us, bring that sort of new energy, that sort of exuberance of youth.
"The exuberance of youth, it filters into the way we play our brand of cricket and probably the reason why we're here today, building up towards the WTC final."
The other senior, captain Temba Bavuma, along with coach Shukri Conrad, have kept the boys motivated ahead of the big final with different styles of leadership, reckons Maharaj.
"Temba is a good motivator, he reads the game really well and is a brilliant leader on the field," Maharaj added. "But with regards to Shukri, I think he gives you clarity.
"He's open and honest, and I think he just allows you to have the freedom to express yourself, be yourself, and just show everyone what you're capable of."
Maharaj also felt the experience from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 final will help the team draw the confidence to stand up in big moments.
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"It's just about staying calm, trusting your skill, trusting the hard work, not just now but over the years and years that you've put in, and making sure that we're enjoying it out there.
"I think that's one thing that's probably been a standout out of most teams from our Test side, is that the enjoyment factor among each other has been absolutely superb to watch."