Veteran Maharaj looks forward to the Australia challenge

Over nine years ago, Maharaj made his international debut for South Africa, against Australia in a Test match at the WACA. And 57 Tests later, the left-arm spinner returns to face the same opponent, in the all-important World Test Championship Final 2025.

In this period, Maharaj has proved himself to be a team player, filling the much-needed spin void in the South Africa setup while also becoming a part of the team's think tank.

“I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,” Maharaj told Cricket South Africa in an interview.

Keshav Maharaj celebrates a wicket in Bangladesh // Getty Images

The 35-year-old returns to competitive cricket after a prolonged break, and is raring to take on Pat Cummins’ men in the Ultimate Test. Maharaj has 22 wickets against Australia in the format, at an average of 45 in conditions that don’t have the best support for spinners.

Maharaj has also played a big role in South Africa's journey to the final, with 40 wickets from eight games in this cycle of the World Test Championship.

Despite the break, Maharaj’s focus remains on overcoming the Australians.

“Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus.

“I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don’t need any motivation to play a final against Australia.”

South Africa and Australia have a shared history of close ICC knockout contests, including the 1999 and 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals, where the latter emerged victorious on both occasions.

Australia are the only team to have won all senior Men’s ICC events across formats, with a total of 10 titles to their name. Maharaj is aware of the magnitude of what awaits South Africa.

“We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats,” Maharaj stated.

However, Maharaj believes that this South African side, which has won its last seven Tests in a row, can stop the Australian juggernaut.

“When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other, and that’s what really matters.

“What Shuks and Temba have done deserves a lot of credit. They have encouraged us, and to see this team come together and get to where we are, it really is special.”

Maharaj also pointed out South Africa’s great record at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, wherein they have won five Tests since their readmission to cricket in 1991.

“We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord’s as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans.”

While Maharaj’s focus will be on getting South Africa their first senior Men’s title since 1998, he is also on the cusp of a rare landmark: becoming the first-ever South Africa spinner to achieve 200 Test wickets. He has 198 wickets in the format at present.

“I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don’t really matter, as long as the team is winning,” Maharaj states.

“Hopefully, I can add 200 more before I am done! As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country.”