Proteas overpower the Aussies
Before the ODIs with Australia, The Star highlighted five key areas which could determine the outcome of the series.
With South Africa having won the series at a canter, our senior cricket writer looks back and assesses how those aspects impacted on the matches.
Top order batsmen
Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis dominated for South Africa throughout, winning a vital battle in the area in which this Australian team was strongest. While Dave Warner has delivered consistent performances, the same can’t be said of his mates, with Aaron Finch’s bludgeoning only good enough for one half century in the series, while Steve Smith, aside from his century in Durban has been unable to occupy the crease for any length of time.
SA’s Middle order
There was no AB de Villiers, meaning someone had to fill in...step forward, finally, Dave Miller, whose prodigious century in Durban must rank as one of the best One-Day knocks by a South African. The Kingsmead innings were a vital performance from Miller and should provide him with confidence in the finisher’ role. JP Duminy has been steady but thrilled when required at the Wanderers. Rilee Rossouw showed outstanding form regardless of where he batted and made it difficult for the selectors to drop him even when De Villiers returns.
SA’s new all-rounder
Andile Phehlukwayo has shown he belongs at international level. He’s got a presence about him that is reminiscent of Andrew Flintoff or Ian Botham in that it always feels as if something’s going to happen when he has the ball in hand or with the bat. Of course his game needs refining - but he’s only 20. The fearlessness with which he goes about his game is a vital asset. Wayne Parnell, Chris Morris and Dwaine Pretorius are the other options, but for the first time in a long while, SAfs all-rounder stocks look strong again.
SA’s new ball bowling
Australia’s weakness with the new ball proved catastrophic, and the pace with which Rabada and Steyn bowled, particularly at the Wanderers was a key part of that win. The pair have not been at the best in this series and Kyle Abbott’s contribution in PE, showed again the value he provides. Steyn is desperate to prove he still belongs in the one-day side and it will be interesting to see how he’s used over the summer. If you were picking your best SA 50-over team at the moment, it’s worth considering if Steyn is still a part of that 11.
The impact of spin
Tahir has continued to underline his value to the Proteas, but where once there might have been concern over who might replace him - he is 37 - that is no longer the case. Tabraiz Shamsi 's emergence is important for SA’s One-Day hopes and his performance in PE indicates that a replacement for Tahir is at hand. How the selectors utilise the pair in the short term will be interesting, but looking into the future, Shamsi will provide a key weapon in the Proteas attack.
The Star