Keshav Maharaj explained what the Proteas’ bowling plans were during India’s first innings of the 1st Test after the hosts posted 502/7 dec.

It was a tough one and a half days for the Proteas.

They conceded 502 runs and struggled to take wickets, as India finished their innings with three wickets to spare having declared.

Having bowled more overs than his spin-partners in Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt, Maharaj finished with figures of 3-189 in a mammoth 55 overs.

The 29-year-old went on to explain how it was bowling at Visakhapatnam.

“It’s probably one of the toughest surfaces I’ve bowled on in terms of it being a lot slower and not biting as much,” said the left-arm spinner.

“Obviously you get slow turn but it just felt like the ball didn’t really kick-off the wicket. However, towards the latter part when the ball did get softer, now and then the odd one straightened and had a little bit of bite. 

“But I think the cracks have been opening up a little bit because of the heat around, so there is a little bit of assistance coming through now, opposed to when we first started off.”

Despite the difficulties, Maharaj emphasized how much he enjoys bowling long spells.

“I love bowling, whether the outcome is five wickets or two wickets or whatever the case is, I love bowling as long as the feel in my hand is good then I’m on the right track,” Maharaj added.

“Long spells is something I always wanted to do, it’s the long hours that I do train alone that’s sort of given me the match fitness to be able to bowl.”

It will be difficult for the Proteas to get close to the target as the wicket will deteriorate more as the game progresses.

The India spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, will receive a bit more assistance off the wicket than the South African bowlers.

“When you have an opening stand of 300 plus it’s difficult for the team that’s bowling to come back from that, I think that’s really important in terms of setting up the game especially in the subcontinent conditions,” Maharaj explained.

“Rohit and Mayank just played within their zones, they just put away the bad balls and whatever they tried to do in terms of putting us under pressure it paid off for them.

“Mayank is also very young to international cricket but he just showed maturity, it feels like he was a seasoned campaigner. He had a simple game plan and just played within his strengths.”

The Proteas will aim to add to their 39/3 on day three with Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma at the crease.