Keshav Maharaj says he still has a lot more to offer the Proteas after taking his maiden ODI five-wicket haul against Australia in Cairns on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old was dropped from the Proteas’ T20I squad for the recent three-match series Down Under – with coach Shukri Conrad stating that spinners in the shortest format also needed to offer something with the bat – but made a statement by taking 5-33 in South Africa’s 98-run win in the first ODI.

CONRAD: Proteas spinners must bat

“I want to play all three formats, so I was a bit disappointed [to miss the T20Is]. But I think the coaching staff felt a certain way,” Maharaj said afterwards.

“It’s nice to put in a performance to show that I can do it in the shorter formats of the game. Whatever is meant to be, will be at the end of the day, I’m just focusing on my cricket and enjoying my cricket and I want to try to win games for my country.”

WATCH: Maharaj’s sensational five-wicket haul

Maharaj said he had more to learn and achieve in his career, and wasn’t yet contemplating retirement.

“I want to try to win more trophies together as a nation,” he added. “Hopefully I can keep raising that bar for spinners coming through in our system.

“A lot of people ask me what’s next? And even though I’m 35 years old, I believe in my journey. I’m always learning. The day I stop learning is the day that I have to walk away from the game.

“I’d like to think I’m a scholar of the game. I watch a lot of cricket. I’m always bouncing ideas, even from the younger generation. Because it’s nice to see how the difference in thinking works.

“I’d like to think I’m getting better as age goes on.”

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