Johannesburg – Keshav Maharaj stated that he was unconcerned by fellow tweaker Tabraiz Shamsi’s recent troubles and backed him to rebound as the Proteas prepare to face India in the second One-Day International on Sunday at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi.
Shamsi let up 89 runs in eight overs during Thursday’s opening ODI in Lucknow, which followed a T20 series in which he played only one match. “I don’t believe he had a horrible performance,” Maharaj said of Shamsi’s effort in the Proteas’ 9-run victory in the opening match.
The Indian hitters were forced to face someone, and unfortunately it was he on that particular day. I thought he retained his composure really well in the closing moments.”
With 31 runs to defend in the final over in Lucknow, Shamsi conceded 20 runs in that over by bowling wide, and Sanju Samson also hit him for a six and three fours, thus viewers may disagree with this evaluation.
Shamsi, who got to the top of the T20 bowling rankings just 18 months ago, has seen Maharaj become the preferred spinner when the Proteas opt to play only one frontline spinner in the starting XI in the shortest format.
Although he had a successful series in England, taking eight wickets, including a five-for in the last game, he also battled with consistency, as evidenced by the fact that he gave up 49 runs in only three overs in Bristol in the opening game.
“I understand Shammo, we’ve played a lot of cricket together both domestically and internationally, so it was just some advice,” Maharaj said of the chat he had with his wrist spinning partner during Thursday’s match.
“I don’t believe his confidence is shaken because he did an excellent job at the conclusion. It’s only a matter of time before he replicates his feat in England and takes five wickets.”
The match on Sunday begins at 10 a.m. SA time.
Squads:
India — Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Kumar, Rajat Patidar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Rahul Tripathi.
Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, and Andile Phelukuko.