Maharaj hopes Proteas can convert in England: 'We want to see more centuries'

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj hopes that his side will be able to convert starts into centuries ahead of the second Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The Proteas lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after a clinical bowling display saw South Africa thrash the hosts by an innings and 12 runs at Lord's last week.

South Africa's batting order put up their own fight against an experienced England bowling attack as vital contributions saw SA post 326.

Opener Sarel Erwee top-scored with 73, while Dean Elgar (47), Marco Jansen (48) and Maharaj (41) also contributed.

Maharaj says that the batting unit is always looking to convert their starts into centuries in England - something that hasn't been done since Elgar's 136 at the Oval in 2017.

"As a batting unit, you want to score more centuries, it's not a case of knowing they should rely on the middle or lower order to score runs," said Maharaj.

"In our top six and seven, the guys are driven to score big centuries, it's probably just maybe just the first Test, so come the second and third Test, we're going to see more centuries.

"Sarel showed signs of application and the way he went about his business along with Dean. The opening partnership really set the foundation for us, the middle order didn't fire in the first Test, but we know the quality they possess," he continued.

"The game in Kent showed us amazing signs that they can do and implementing that, which I'm sure they'll get right in this Test."

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Maharaj shared a 72-run partnership with all-rounder Marco Jansen as they took the attack to England at Lord's before he was caught off the bowling of Ben Stokes.

Despite being the Proteas frontline