“We have the same philosophy that spinners should be the first on the team sheet,” Maharaj said in Potchefstroom, where South Africa are looking to sweep Australia 3-0 in an ODI series they’re already two matches up in.
While Maharaj has caused Australia all sorts of problems in the ODIs, and is the series’ leading wicket-taker, Lyon has flown in for the Tests and might be licking his lips about the possibilities the next month holds. South African surfaces are still in early season, and the coastal wickets, where the Tests will be played, have long been a touch slower.
“I had a good chat with Nathan yesterday when I bumped into him,” Maharaj said on Tuesday. “It’s just about inspiring the next generation when they do come through, and making sure that spinners always have a place within the team. Like Nathan, I love spin bowling. We’re passionate about it. But we’re also passionate towards other guys getting the opportunity and being those first picks. It comes with hard work also.”
“Growing up, I always used to watch him. I’m a huge fan,” Maharaj said. “He’s one of the idols in terms of the fingerspinners leading the way. What he’s done for Australian cricket is absolutely phenomenal.”
Was it the makings of a bromance? “I try to pick his brains as much as possible,” Maharaj said. “We had some good chats after the series. We don’t want to give away too much, but it’s more about the game in general rather than looking at sort of details like that. And also just asking how he manages himself to do what he does at his age and still be at the top of his game. I take a lot of inspiration from that.”
“It’s more that I can learn from him over there. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them. He’ll put his best foot forward. He’s a class act, and I’m sure he’ll reap the rewards”
Keshav Maharaj on what tips he could give Nathan Lyon for the India tour in early 2027
In age terms, Maharaj, who’s 36, isn’t that far behind Lyon, who’s 38. But Lyon, with 143 Test caps, has played more than double the number of Tests as Maharaj, who’s on 62. Unlike Lyon, Maharaj also has an ongoing international white-ball career, and has established himself as one of the leaders of their attack and their outfit. Maharaj has captained South Africa in a Test – that came against Zimbabwe last year – apart from leading in seven ODIs and 10 T20Is, and believes it’s “nice to have responsibility on your shoulders”.
Instead of asking what he can learn from Lyon, the opposite question was put to Maharaj. He was asked what tips he could provide to Lyon, especially ahead of Australia’s five-Test tour to India early next year. Typically, Maharaj chose to play down his expertise, despite being part of a South African squad that beat India 2-0 in a Test series last year, and kept his cards close to his chest.
“He is a legend. He did say that they do have a tour of India coming up – a long tour – but he’s a legend,” Maharaj said of Lyon. “He’s a world-class performer. He’s performed there. I think he’s taken an eight-for there, if I’m not mistaken. It’s more that I can learn from him over there. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them. He’ll put his best foot forward. He’s a class act, and I’m sure he’ll reap the rewards.”
Perhaps the thing everyone can agree on is that the spinners will definitely be the first names on the team sheet there.
Firdose Moonda is Cricinfo’s senior correspondent for Africa and women’s cricket