Africa-Press – South-Africa. Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj lauded the batting depth within their side following South Africa’s dominant performance on the second day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Gqeberha.
Mulder fires with ball after Maharaj batting heroics leave Proteas on top at St George’s
Maharaj, who batted at No 8, top-scored for the Proteas with a splendid knock of 84 off 95 balls (nine fours and three sixes).
The 32-year-old shared an 81-run partnership with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as they took on the Bangladesh attack at an overcast St George’s Park.
Six-star spinner Taijul Islam eventually bowled Maharaj, but that didn’t stop the Proteas’ lower order to stop ticking over the scoreboard.
Kyle Verreynne scored 22, Mulder contributed 33, Simon Harmer 29 and Lizaad Williams made 13 as the Proteas were eventually bundled out for 453 in their first innings.
Maharaj stated that he was delighted with his performance but credited the marvellous batting display by the Proteas lower order.
“I’ve been working hard in the nets and I’m just really glad it’s paying dividends now,” Maharaj told reporters on Saturday.
“Credit must go to Wiaan, he played well with Kyle last night and gave us a good foundation, which allowed me to play with freedom.
“I do believe we have a lot of depth in our batting in terms of the lower order with Simon, KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Marco (Jansen). So there’s good depth, it’s just about putting numbers down and putting their hands up on a consistent bases.
“In order to give the coaching staff and selectors that confidence (and show) that there’s enough depth when we want to play a more of a balanced side.”
Maharaj had once looked on course to become the first Proteas batsman to score a century on home soil in nearly two years, fell short of the elusive milestone.
The Proteas spinner admits that the thought of a ton had crossed his mind and that excitement got the better of him.
“It crossed my mind, every time I bat, I want to get a Test hundred. I probably threw away a golden opportunity today,” said Maharaj.
“But having said that, my adrenaline was rushing, I felt in a good space. Probably shouldn’t of tried gone across the ball and hit it straight, but it was a golden opportunity to get to that three figures.”
Bangladesh is reeling at 139/5 as they trail by 314 runs.
Day 3 on Sunday starts at 10:00.
SCORECARD | Proteas vs Bangladesh – 2nd Test, day 2
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