South Africa vs England 2017: 2nd Test, 5 talking points

Modified Jul 17, 2017 20:42 IST

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 17: England batsman Joe Root is bowled by Chris Morris during day four of the 2nd Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge on July 17, 2017 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Morris cleaned up Joe Root with a bang in yorker to end England's hopes of playing out a draw

#4 Keshav Maharaj's dream outing

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 15: South Africa bowler Keshav Maharaj celebrates after bowling Jonny Bairstow during day two of the 2nd Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge on July 15, 2017 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Faf du Plessis' use of Keshav Maharaj earned rave reviews from critics

A six-fer on dusty, turning tracks might make spinners proud but nothing makes them happier than contributing in difficult conditions with odds stacked against them. Maharaj was dumped to the fences by Root and co. at the start of this series.

But he has found his mojo and delivered a performance that would go down in history books as one of the finest by a South African spinner.

Maharaj managed to scalp vital wickets at vital points in the game, none more important than his twin strikes in the first innings which involved Ben Stokes and Johnny Bairstow. He had the latter in the second innings as well making it the third time in the series that Maharaj has gotten rid of Bairstow.

With this performance, there is no doubting the spinner's role in this side.