“We want to be the polished article come 4-5 years time,” said Proteas spinner, Keshav Maharaj, after recording the first Test hattrick by a South African in 61 years.

“There were so many thoughts of what deliveries to bowl, thought maybe stick to what has worked, and probably could have bowled a much better ball, but full credit to Wiaan for plucking that catch,” said Maharaj on his headspace before his hattrick ball.

Maharaj credited bowling partnerships for South Africa’s success in this series. “They (the fast bowlers) didn’t give batters an inch to score off, they tried to score off me and I reaped the rewards. It’s nice having that accolade but from a bowling point of view, we’ve worked very well together.”

Another key contributor to South Africa’s series win, according to Maharaj, was “controlled aggression.” In this series, “the control we brought to our bowling attack in terms of controlling the run-rate and still have the ability use fast bowlers as strike options.”

Apart from delivering consistent performances for the Proteas, Maharaj hopes to inspire budding spinners in South Africa. “Luckily enough, the mindset has changed towards spin bowling in the country.

“It’s trying to make sure that we’re sending an example to the younger spinners out there who will play Test cricket and international cricket that there is a future for spin bowling in our country.”