South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has praised his teammate Keshav Maharaj’s dedication, expressing confidence that the left-arm spinner will be the first cricketer to arrive at Lord’s to begin preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, starting on Wednesday. Maharaj, a crucial player for South Africa in their ‘Ultimate Test’ against Australia in London, is just two Test wickets away from joining the esteemed 200-wicket club. “Just the work ethic that he has, I don’t think anyone can match it. I can probably put my house on it (that) he’ll be the first cricketer out there on Wednesday. He will be on the early bus with management; while they’re setting up, he’s bowling.” “By the time we arrive, he’s probably bowled 10-15 overs already, and the game hasn’t even started. That’s the type of person Keshav is. I’m not surprised that he’s about to reach this milestone and I know there’s plenty more to come for him,” Ngidi told ICC Digital. Since his debut in November 2016, coincidentally against Australia, Maharaj has been a regular in the Proteas XI. He has proven himself a team player, filling a critical spin role in the South Africa setup while also becoming part of the team’s think tank. “His planning’s incredible, so I think it’s no surprise that he’s South Africa’s best Test spinner and probably, at the moment, up there in the top two or three best in the world. So (him) getting to 200 wickets will be incredible and no surprises that he’s achieved so much in his career, just based on how much work and preparation he puts into his cricket,” wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne said. Maharaj has played a significant role in South Africa’s journey to the final, taking 40 wickets from eight games in this WTC cycle. This dedication has inspired other squad members like Tristan Stubbs, who described the spinner as “the most professional cricketer”. “Always in the gym, always working on his game, trying to get better. Bowls the most balls and he’s just really good at his craft and our best professional,” he added. Batter David Bedingham further credited Maharaj’s cricket intelligence, in addition to the work ethic that sets him apart, “Everyone in the team knows that whenever there’s a day off, Kesh will want to bowl. He just loves the art of spin bowling, he thinks about the game 24/7. With him wanting it that much, with him working that hard, that all adds to him taking these wickets. I genuinely think he gets better with age as well,” he said. (with IANS inputs)