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Maharaj hopes for spin lessons from Herath
- Updated: December 24, 2016
While most of the South African squad will try to exploit Sri Lanka’s weaknesses in the upcoming three-Test series, at least one of them will be concentrating on the opposition’s biggest strength. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is keen to learn as much as he can from his counterpart, Rangana Herath, a man he lists among his heroes.
“I have always looked up to him. He is one of the left-arm spinners along with Daniel Vettori that you will try and model yourself on, in terms of variations,” Maharaj, who is yet to meet Herath, said. “I am looking forward to rubbing shoulders with him and hopefully learning from him. I am still new to the international scene and he has been around for a while so hopefully he can impart some of his knowledge and skill onto me.”
The two are yet to meet, but Herath has already cast his eye over Maharaj and the early verdict is positive. “I have only seen him play against Australia, but from what I’ve seen, he’s a very accurate bowler,” Herath said. “He’s got all the essentials – with his accuracy, his line and his lengths. If he improves his variations he’ll go far.”
For now, Maharaj has been in consultation with another senior, Paul Harris, who he contacted ahead of his maiden series in Australia. Back then, Harris spoke to Maharaj about “dealing with (foreign) conditions”. This time, Harris’ advice is about how to play at home and the primary focus is on …
