Keshav Maharaj has pressed claims for a Test debut in next week’s opener against Australia, after taking three wickets in the drawn tour match against South Australia XI in Adelaide.
The Dolphins slow-left-armer notched up figures of 3-59 as the hosts posted an impressive 435-8 by the close of play. While Tabraiz Shamsi might be slightly ahead of Maharaj in the pecking order, Shamsi got pounded for 87 off his 11 overs, creating an interesting selection headache should they opt for a spinner for the first Test in Perth on Thursday.
The Proteas should feel satisfied overall with their preparations from their two tour matches, as they outplayed a Cricket Australia XI with the pink ball last week, before plundering 489 from 90 overs in Adelaide on Thursday.
Centuries from Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis and a 99 from Quinton de Kock on Thursday has left the majority of the top order in good nick, with Stephen Cook being the only real concern, who has scores of 5, 12 and 0 so far Down Under.
JP Duminy was rested from the batting lineup after posting scores of 97 and 32 not out in the first match, which all but confirms his place in the starting XI. Despite scoring 77 in the first match, Rilee Rossouw will be the man to make way.
Maharaj was the only bowler not to go for over four an over against South Australia, as wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman blasted 167 off just 134 balls, which included eight sixes and 20 fours.
Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn were missing from the bowling attack however, with Morne Morkel the pick of the seamers with 2-67, while there was a wicket apiece for Kyle Abbott and JP Duminy.
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