Keshav Maharaj nearing Test record – ‘Hopefully I can add 200 more before I am done’

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SA cricketKeshav Maharaj.

Posted By: Editorial June 9, 2025

Spinner Keshav Maharaj is two wickets away from becoming the ninth Proteas bowler to take 200 in Test cricket.

Maharaj is the most prolific wicket-taker among spinners for South Africa in Test cricket.

“I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don’t really matter, as long as the team is winning,” said Maharaj.

“Hopefully I can add 200 more before I am done. As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country.”

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Most Test wickets for South Africa

  1. Dale Steyn – 439 Test wickets
  2. Shaun Pollock – 421 Test wickets
  3. Makhaya Ntini – 390 Test wickets
  4. Allan Donald – 330 Test wickets
  5. Kagiso Rabada – 327 Test wickets
  6. Morne Morkel – 309 Test wickets
  7. Jacques Kallis – 291 Test wickets
  8. Vernon Philander – 224 Test wickets
  9. Keshav Maharaj – 198 Test wickets
  10. Hugh Tayfield – 170 Test wickets
  11. Paul Adams – 134 Test wickets
  12. Trevor Goddard – 123 Test wickets
  13. Andre Nel – 123 Test wickets
  14. Peter Pollock – 116 Test wickets
  15. Neil Adcock – 104 Test wickets
  16. Paul Harris – 103 Test wickets
  17. Nicky Boje – 100 Test wickets
  18. Fanie de Villiers – 85 Test wickets
  19. Cyril Vincent – 84 Test wickets
  20. Aubrey Faulkner – 82 Test wickets
  21. Lance Klusener – 80 Test wickets
  22. Brian McMillan – 75 Test wickets
  23. Marco Jansen – 73 Test wickets
  24. Anrich Nortje – 70 Test wickets
  25. Bert Vogler – 64 Test wickets

Maharaj debuted in 2016 and, alongside fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and captain Temba Bavuma, is one of three players in South Africa’s World Test Championship final squad with 50 or more caps.

“It has been nearly 10 years now, so I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can,” added Maharaj.

“When I think of the character of this team, our never-say-die attitude really stands out. There are only three of us who have played over 50 Tests, but we never back down from a challenge. Regardless of the place or the opponent, we believe in each other and that’s what really matters.”

The WTC final will start at Lord’s on Wednesday. This is South Africa’s first WTC final. Australia are the reigning champions. New Zealand won the inaugural WTC title in 2021.

“We know what is in front of us, because Australia is a great team, who play a great brand of cricket, and they have been the dominant force for a long time and conquered all three formats,” said Maharaj.

“We know that it is a crucial, one-off Test match. We also know that we have a great record at Lord’s as a country, and the key for us is to focus on executing our plans.”

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