Keshav Maharaj becomes the most successful Test spinner for South Africa after his heroics in West Indies Tests

South Africa National Cricket Team spinner Keshav Maharaj achieved a massive milestone in the history of Test cricket for the Proteas. The off-spinner broke the 64-year-old record of Hugh Tayfield to become the leading wicket-taker for the team in the longest format of the game.

Keshav Maharaj achieved the feat during the second Test against West Indies National Cricket Team. The match between the two teams took place at the Providence Stadium in Guyana from Thursday (15th August) to Sunday (18th August).

Maharaj completed 171 wickets in Test cricket and surpassed Hugh Tayfield's tally of 170 wickets to top the wicket charts in terms of spinners. Tayfield held the record for 64 years as he played 37 Tests for South Africa and dismissed 170 batters in his 11-year-long career.

Keshav Maharaj completed 171 wickets when he picked the wicket of Jayden Seales in the 67th over. The off-spinner had a sensational game with the ball and was the major reason behind the South Africa National Cricket Team winning the second Test against the West Indies National Cricket Team by 40 runs and winning the series by 1-0.

Maharaj bowled 6 overs in the first innings and picked up two wickets. He removed Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Joseph to return with figures of 2/8. His spell with the ball helped South Africa wrap up the West Indies innings for 144 runs.

Maharaj then came up with another brilliant performance with the ball in the second innings. He picked three wickets in Joshua de Silva, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales to return with figures of 3/37. South Africa bundled out West Indies for 222 runs to win the game by 40 runs.

Maharaj played an instrumental role in South Africa winning the Test series against West Indies. In the first game, he picked 8 wickets, a four-wicket haul in each innings, and was awarded Player of the Match before picking 5 wickets in the second match.

For his heroics in both Tests, Keshav Maharaj was awarded the Player of the Series award. He ended the series as the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets to his name at an average of just around 16.

Was nice to get a long haul - Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj spoke about his performance with the ball in the series against West Indies. He said that he enjoyed his time in the series and takes a lot of pride in playing in the longest format of the game. Speaking to broadcasters after the game, he explained:

"Was nice to get a long haul. We did well. We enjoyed it. A lot of positives. But back to the drawing board and on to the next one. I pride myself on Test cricket. Just staying loyal to the game. Bavuma allows me to read the game."

Maharaj will now be seen in action when South Africa and West Indies will be playing with each other in the three-match T20I series, starting 23rd August.