Proteas skipper Elgar on tactical Maharaj masterstroke: 'It was purely gut'

20.08.2022 - 11:43 news24.com

While much of the focus following South Africa's resounding innings and 12 runs victory over England at Lord's has centred on the fast bowling unit, spinner Keshav Maharaj also played a key role for the Proteas.

Kagiso Rabada (5/52 and 2/27) was named man-of-the-match, while Anrich Nortje (3/63 and 3/47), Marco Jansen (2/30 and 2/13) and Lungi Ngidi (0/12 and 1/15) completed a pace quartet that is looking increasingly dangerous.

The Proteas' dominance meant that Maharaj wasn't needed in the first innings, so when skipper Dean Elgar turned to him in just the eighth over of the second innings, it came as a surprise.

It proved to be a masterstroke. READ | 'Rabada will be robbed of overhauling Anderson' - Future tours dramatically downsize SA's TestsMaharaj removed Zak Crawley LBW with just his third delivery, and then, with the last ball before lunch, he had Ollie Pope out, leaving the hosts on the back foot at 38/2 after the morning session.

cricket Proteas on Zak Crawley Kagiso Rabada Marco Jansen Dean Elgar South Africa

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