South African spinner Keshav Maharaj and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon exchanged mutual admiration ahead of their upcoming ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s on June 11. The two veteran spinners, considered among the best in modern cricket, shared their respect for each other’s achievements and impact on the sport, particularly in finger spin bowling.Maharaj revealed he had personally congratulated Lyon when the Australian reached his 400th Test wicket milestone, acknowledging his influence on the sport.“I have always been a huge fan of Nathan Lyon. Huge respect, I think, when he got his, was it 400th? I sent him a DM on Instagram saying, you know, thank you for leading the way with regards to fingerspin and making youngsters believe that it is not only leg-spinners that are wanted out there. I mean, what he has done for Australian cricket and to that bowling lineup is probably beyond words,” Maharaj stated.Lyon reciprocated the appreciation, praising Maharaj’s bowling technique and expressing mutual respect.“Yeah, that is obviously very kind words from him. I have had some great chats with Keshav, and the respect goes both ways. Each and every one has got their own journey and the way Maharaj goes about it and the shape that he puts on it is incredible in my eyes,” Lyon responded.
Lyon holds an impressive record as Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker with 553 wickets in 136 Tests, maintaining an average of 30.19. His best figures stand at 8/50, with 24 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket hauls in his career.Maharaj commended Lyon’s cricket intelligence and bowling technique, while Lyon acknowledged Maharaj as an underrated threat in international cricket.“To be honest with you, I think he is actually a massive threat that doesn’t get spoken about. I think he is invaluable for Australia,” Lyon said about Maharaj.Maharaj stands on the brink of two historic achievements. He needs just two more wickets to become the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets and six more to achieve 300 international wickets.The South African spinner has claimed 198 wickets in 57 Tests at an average of 29.68, with his best figures being 9/129. He has also secured 11 five-wicket hauls during his Test career.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?In international cricket across all formats, the 35-year-old Maharaj has accumulated 294 wickets with an average of 29.74, maintaining the same best figures of 9/129.While Maharaj’s record in ICC tournament knockouts shows three wickets in four matches at an average of 39.33, he maintains an impressive economy rate of 4.91, with his best figures being 2/33.The upcoming World Test Championship final presents an opportunity for both teams to make history, with Australia aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the WTC title, while South Africa seeks their first-ever world championship title in cricket.