Hashim Amla would not have foreseen his Test team’s ‘development’ as he called it, accelerate at quite the rate that it did in the Test series with the West Indies.
Even without the new addition like Stiaan Van Zyl – who came in for JP Duminy – Temba Bavuma – for Quinton de Kock – and Simon Harmer for Imran Tahir (and Dane Piedt) – there was already a fresh feel about the South African Test side before the series started.
With the exception of Bavuma, they’ve all acquitted themselves excellently. Bavuma’s development as a player would have been accelerated by the extended role he played in the series – first as a fielder in the first Test – and then upon starting in the last two matches.
He looked tentative in both innings – as is the case for any rookie – but it’s important that he takes those experiences on board and builds on them when he’s back with his franchise or when he represents South Africa A.
Unlike Bavuma, Van Zyl was able to ride his luck after his own tense start at Centurion to record an historic debut century. His new role looks likely to be at the top of the order as a partner to Dean Elgar, and though there is a six month gap until South Africa’s next Test assignment, Van Zyl will have plenty of opportunities – most likely with the SA A side – to grow accustomed to facing the new ball before the two Tests against Bangladesh.
Given his domestic success, there’s no surprise at how confident he looks and if given the opportunity at the top of the order, then a series against Bangladesh followed by another in India – where opening is a lot easier than it is in South Africa – would aid his acclimatisation to his new role.
The Harmer/Piedt debate is going to dominate selection next season and beyond. Piedt’s debut saw him register match figures of 8/152 in Harare last August, while Harmer’s return of 7/153 at Newlands, was no less impressive. What it has shown the selectors is that they won’t need to turn to Imran Tahir any longer in the Test format and that should they so choose, they have a capable duo able to fulfil starting roles together should conditions allow – as Bangladesh and India certainly may.
It’s in South African conditions, where debate will be most heated though – with SA unlikely to play two spinners – who do you pick? Both are still young - Piedt turns 25 in March, Harmer is 26 next month – and it will be to South Africa’s benefit were they to spur each other on over the next decade.
The rookies have certainly blended in well, able to ride on the coat tails somewhat of some outstanding performances by the senior core – next season, brings significantly harder challenges. - The Star