Keshav Maharaj is ready to face Australia in the WTC Final 2025

South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has expressed his excitement about rejoining the national team ahead of the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against Australia. After a lengthy break from international cricket, the experienced left-arm spinner is eager to don the Proteas jersey once again and contribute on the grand stage. His international Test debut came against the same opposition back in 2016 at the WACA in Perth, marking the beginning of a steady and impactful red-ball career. Now, with 57 Test matches under his belt, Maharaj returns to face Australia in a much more significant setting—the WTC Final at Lord’s.

Over the years, he has established himself as a key figure in South Africa’s spin department, consistently delivering performances even on surfaces that have offered little assistance to spinners. Against Australia, he has claimed 22 wickets in Tests at an average of 45, showcasing his perseverance and skill in challenging conditions. Maharaj was instrumental during the ongoing WTC 2023–25 cycle, picking up 40 wickets in just eight matches, underlining his importance to the Proteas’ success. His ability to maintain control and strike at crucial moments has made him a dependable asset, especially in long-format cricket.

“I guess I have become someone to provide a shoulder to those who need it. I like to give advice where I can. Having had the break, I am excited to get back together with the boys. Guys have been playing all over, in different competitions, but now we have some time to really get close and focus. I have been working hard on my bowling and conditioning, and I think we needed a mental break. But you don’t need any motivation to play a final against Australia," stated South African spinner Keshav Maharaj in a recent interview. 

South Africa and Australia share a storied rivalry in ICC knockout matches, most notably in the semi-finals of the 1999 and 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups—both of which saw Australia emerge victorious. Reflecting on this history, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj acknowledged the immense pressure surrounding the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final, saying it comes as no surprise given the stakes and the legacy between the two teams.

Australia stands as the only nation to have won every senior Men’s ICC event across formats, boasting an impressive tally of 10 titles. However, Maharaj believes the current South African side is well-equipped to challenge that dominance. He pointed to the Proteas’ outstanding red-ball form, having won their last seven Test matches consecutively. With strong momentum and growing confidence, Maharaj is hopeful that South Africa can rise to the occasion and bring Australia’s formidable run to an end in the WTC Final.

“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,” Maharaj added.