Keshav Maharaj and Nathan Lyon have resumed their professional relationship exactly ten years after their first meeting on the international circuit, as South Africa prepares a spin-led strategy for the upcoming Test series against Australia. The 10th anniversary of their 2016 encounter in Perth coincides with a fast-bowling injury crisis for the Proteas ahead of the first Test in Durban.
South Africa’s strategic shift toward spin follows a series of hamstring injuries to the pace battery. Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, and Ottneil Baartman have been ruled out of the series. Consequently, head coach Shukri Conrad is preparing a spin-heavy attack for Kingsmead, where pitch conditions are expected to favor slower bowlers over traditional pace.
Kagiso Rabada remains in contention despite earlier reports suggesting a grade-three hamstring tear would sideline him. He has been named in South Africa’s preliminary 18-man squad and is scheduled to undergo a fitness test during an intra-squad practice match next week. His availability will determine the final composition of the bowling unit.
The mutual respect between the two veteran spinners has remained a constant since Maharaj’s debut decade ago. “I have always been a huge fan of Nathan Lyon. Huge respect… thank you for leading the way with regards to fingerspin and making youngsters believe that it is not only leg-spinners that are wanted out there,” Maharaj said. Lyon acknowledged the sentiment: “Yeah, that is obviously very kind words from him. I have had some great chats with Keshav, and the respect goes both ways.”
South Africa currently leads the three-match ODI series 2-0, with the final match scheduled for September 30 at Potchefstroom. The Test series begins on October 9 at Kingsmead. While the hosts look to stabilize their batting with Marques Ackerman, who carries a first-class average of 82.92, Australia may be forced to adjust their own tactical approach. The expected conditions in Durban could prompt the visitors to consider a second spinner, such as Todd Murphy or Cooper Connolly, to partner Lyon.
