Keshav Maharaj says the Proteas batsmen are hoping to score hundreds in the remaining two Tests of the series against England.

Opener Sarel Erwee top-scored with 73 in South Africa’s only innings at Lord’s as they posted 326 all out and went on to win the match by an innings and 12 runs.

“As a batting unit, you want to score more centuries, it’s not a case of knowing they should rely on the middle or lower order to score runs,” said Maharaj on Tuesday.

“In our top six and seven, the guys are driven to score big centuries, it’s probably just maybe just the first Test, so come the second and third Test, we’re going to see more centuries.

“Sarel showed signs of application and the way he went about his business along with Dean. The opening partnership really set the foundation for us, the middle order didn’t fire in the first Test, but we know the quality they possess.

“The game in Kent showed us amazing signs that they can do and implementing that, which I’m sure they’ll get right in this Test.”

Spinner Maharaj played his part with the bat in the first Test, scoring 41 off 49 balls at No 8 and putting on 72 runs with Marco Jansen, who made 48.

“When Bouch [coach Mark Boucher] took over, he wanted to work on our middle to lower order and contribute runs. You know how vital those 50 or 60 runs can be going down the order,” said Maharaj.

“If you look at our net sessions, our bowlers actually spend a lot of time facing bowlers and getting throws from Bouch and Sammo [batting coach Justin Sammon].

“So, it’s nice to see we’re getting the reward, but a lot has to do with Boucher and Sammo. He has been an exceptional man for our batting unit as a whole and encouraging our lower order and taking care of the nitty gritty that we need to and it’s good to see the dividends.”

The second Test at Old Trafford starts at 12pm (SA time) on Thursday.