South Africa Spinner Keshav Maharaj Hits Joe Root For 28 Runs In An Over

Published - 20 Jan 2020, 06:31 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:03 AM

Keshav Maharaj, Joe Root
Credits: AP

England Test captain Joe Root may have scripted many memorable tales on the cricket field with the bat, but one that he would never forget would certainly be his bowling against South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj. The Proteas spinner who is known for the knack of wicket-taking skills unleashed his batting potential against England on the final day of the third Test in Port Elizabeth.

Keshav Maharaj will always be remembered for single-handedly smashing Joe Root in every nook and corners of the park as the England captain set an infamous bowling record in Test cricket. The drama unfolded during the 82nd over of the South African second innings when Maharaj started the over by smacking three boundaries off the first three balls.

Keshav Maharaj. Credit: AP

Joe Root conceded 28 runs in an over

Joe Root once again struggled to bowl well and was tonked by Maharaj for maximums in the next two balls. The last ball went for four byes and in total, Joe Root conceded 28 runs in an over and became only the third player in cricket history to concede this many runs in an over in the red-ball format.

Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj (Credits: Twitter)

Talking about the series, South Africa lost the third Test by an innings and 53 runs, handing England a 2-1 lead in the Test series. The final match will be played in Johannesburg on January 24. South Africa have already made necessary changes as four members of the expanded squad have been added to the setup.

The CSA selectors have called up batsmen Temba Bavuma and Keegan Petersen, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks for the fourth and final Test match.

Most runs in an over in Tests

28 (4,6,6,4,4,4): Brian Lara vs Robin Peterson (2003-04)

28 (6,2,4,6,6): George Bailey vs James Anderson (2013-14)

28 (4,4,4,6,6,b4):Keshav Maharaj vs Joe Root (2019-20)

27 (6,6,6,6,2,1): Shahid Afridi vs Harbhajan Singh (2005-06)

26 (4,4,4,4,6,4): Craig McMillan vs Younis Khan (2000-01)

Read More: Kagiso Rabada Suspended For Fourth Test Against England

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