Keshav the spin point of SA's Test fightback? Jansen thinks so after late spell

In a second Test against New Zealand where Proteas skipper Dean Elgar has made bold calls, one of them was the selection of Keshav Maharaj at a Hagley Oval ground that's generally inhospitable to slower bowlers.

From a batting perspective, that move paid off with Maharaj making crucial lower-order runs in a partnership with Marco Jansen that allowed SA to score 364 in their first innings.

In the face of a withering Colin de Grandhomme assault where needed 36 balls to score his ninth Test 50, Maharaj's belated introduction slowed down De Grandhomme's advance to a point where by the time play ended with New Zealand on 157/5,  De Grandhomme only scored a further four runs off 25 balls.

SCORECARD | New Zealand v South Africa, Second Test, Day Two

In his four-over spell where he gained appreciable turn and bounce, Maharaj provided the control that was desperately missed in the first Test.

Maharaj also has the experience of providing a match-winning hand in New Zealand. His 6/47 at the Basin Reserve nearly five years ago helped SA to an eight-wicket win.

With New Zealand having to bat last and without a spinner, the last 20 minutes of the second day's play wasn't lost on all-rounder Marco Jansen.

In responding to a question about the changing nature of the pitch from the first to the second Test, Jansen, who's two wickets played a role in pegging the hosts back to 91/5 before the De Grandhomme/Daryl Mitchell stand loosened the shackles, said Maharaj may have a significant role to play for the Proteas.

"When Keshav was bowling, there was a bit of spin and bounce, so I'm not quite sure how the pitch will play," Jansen said.

"I personally think though there will be some turn for Keshav, while we as the fast bowlers need to hit a