"The wicket isn’t reacting too much..." - Keshav Maharaj remains optimistic about South Africa beating West Indies in 1st Test

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed optimism about South Africa's chances to win the ongoing first Test against the West Indies. Keshav Maharaj praised his South African teammates for their efforts, adding that they held their nerve exceptionally well in challenging conditions during the match.

The West Indies players spent 117.4 overs in the field before wrapping up South Africa's first innings early on the third day. Kagiso Rabada was dismissed for 21 runs by Jomel Warrican. Jayden Seales removed Lungi Ngidi for a duck. Temba Bavuma was South Africa's top scorer with 86 runs in the first innings.

Rabada and Ngidi tested Windies openers Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite with the new ball. However, the opening pair added a half-century stand before Brathwaite (35) was run out. Maharaj came to bowl the 13th over in the Windies' first innings and dismissed Louis for 35 just before the lunch break.

Wonderful Day Of Test Cricket - Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj highlighted his team’s resilience despite challenging conditions. Maharaj stated that the pitch wasn't helpful to bowlers, especially with the softer ball. The spinner added that South African bowlers controlled the run rate with their consistency and strong effort.

“A wonderful day of Test cricket, good old-fashioned Test cricket. Obviously, the wicket isn’t reacting too much, especially as the ball gets softer and wetter with the moisture in the outfield. But I think the boys held their nerve exceptionally well," Maharaj said.

"We really put up a strong fight. We were very consistent with our lines and lengths, and that shows in the scoreboard in terms of the run rate," he added.

Maharaj on the Mic🎤

Keshav gave us a breakdown of the days play yesterday and what the plan is going into Day 4 later this afternoon. 🏏👊#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#SAvWI pic.twitter.com/QU55BDBWYO

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 10, 2024

Maybe Get Two Early Wickets In The Morning - Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj hoped South Africa could create pressure and secure early wickets on the fourth day. He mentioned that picking up a couple of early wickets could turn the match in their favor. Maharaj expressed optimism that their efforts would yield results on the fourth day.

"Hopefully, tomorrow we come in, create a lot of pressure, and maybe get two early wickets in the morning," Maharaj further added.

"That will be a good start for us. It’s just about the process behind everything we’re going to do tomorrow. I think we invested really well, so hopefully a little bit more of that in the morning, and then we can reap the rewards later on towards the day,” he concluded.

On the third day of the rain-affected Test between South Africa and the West Indies, Keshav Maharaj bowled 28 consecutive overs from the Media Centre End despite weather interruptions. Maharaj picked up three wickets for 45 runs in 28 overs as both teams struggled to gain a clear advantage in the match.

The West Indies are trailing by 212 runs in the first innings on a slow and dry pitch. The visiting team needs early breakthroughs on the fourth day. The match will end in a draw if both teams fail to dominate in the last two days.

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