Yorkshire are exploring the possibility of extending Keshav Maharaj’s overseas stay with the county into August and September.

The South Africa Test left-arm spinner, 29, has enjoyed an impressive three-game Championship stint with the county during the last few weeks, most notably in the ongoing clash with Somerset at Emerald Headingley.

He has scored a half-century with the bat and taken nine wickets in the game, including 7-52 in the first innings as Somerset were made to follow-on in reply to 520 on day three.

Eight of Maharaj’s wickets came across the two innings on day three as Yorkshire put themselves within sight of a victory over the Division One leaders.

Last week, he hit a swashbuckling fifty in the second innings of the defeat against Essex at Chelmsford.

Maharaj is set to play in next month’s clash with Nottinghamshire at Scarborough. Then, his availability is dependent on South Africa commitments.

If he is selected for a three-game T20 series in India, starting on September 15, then he might not play much more.

Should he just be selected for the Test Match leg of that tour, starting in early October, he will be able to stay that bit longer and play Championship cricket only, as he explained.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time here. They are a very welcoming county. I will most likely be coming back in the latter part to hopefully finish off the season.

“Me coming back is pending selection for upcoming series.

“We will only know when the squads are announced how long I will be here for.

“That’s what they’re waiting on, to see if I am in the white ball squad for India or not.”

Discussions with Cricket South Africa are ongoing.

Maharaj prospered on a Headingley pitch offering turn, and has utilised his arm ball extremely effectively to leave Somerset on the ropes.

They will begin day four 165 runs in arrears on 159-4 second time around.

“Coming out from doing nothing besides fitness in our off-season back home, I think I’ve surprised myself,” he said, having taken 19 wickets and counting in his three games so far.

“But the wickets have assisted me and the dividends are paying out now.

“My game plan is simple. I’m trying to stop the game. If I pick up wickets as well, so be it.

“We’re in a good position in the game. Hopefully we can finish it off tomorrow and claim the win.”

Whatever happens with Maharaj’s future involvement in the remainder of Yorkshire’s season, he will return home immediately after this game to attend Cricket South Africa’s awards dinner, a statutory commitment for all contracted players.

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