The game of cricket needs South Africa at its best in all formats for the unmatchable passion and energy they bring to the field.
A series win against India was one of the success stories that South Africa should look up to draw inspiration. Three test matches must have given them the belief that each member in the team can take this team to another level.
However, it is still a long way for South Africa to build a core team like in the past who used to dominate the world. Their latest test match against New Zealand would have acted as a hard reality on that.
New Zealand at their home in conditions with their fast bowlers at their best can be an opponent’s nightmare. South Africa had gone through such fiery spells in their last two innings.
New Zealand pacers are exceptional wherever they play. They are a touch above, especially when they play at home. South Africa’s first test match against them is another example of that dominance.
South Africa, on the other hand, may not read much into the batting collapse in both innings. It will only give them indicators of how far they have to travel to become the team that can beat others anywhere they play.
The Rebuilding
South Africa always rises from the challenges they come across. No one imagined them to win a series against India, but they did. The bowling group of Rabada and Ngidi will inspire the new ones coming in.
Jansen and Olivier will find their feet stable in the company of their senior bowlers. In Maharaj, they have a spinner who can contribute well in the conditions that need him.
Batting woes
For any team, it’s difficult to replace players like Faf du Plessis or AB de Villiers in the recent past. They had more legends played for the country in the last two decades. They lost players due to various other reasons.
At present, South Africa is doing their best. Deal Elgar is a fine captain who leads and fights from the front. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Duessen become two players others can look up to at the moment.
We can expect Aiden Markram to score big in the future. He is talented and has exceptional skills. In Patterson, they have another talented player who can lead their fight to become the top team.
We may see South Africa changing one of its openers a few times in the future. Middle-order may see different players occupying from time to time.
Kyle Verreynne had taken up the wicket-keeping role and will only improve from here on.
There may be games South Africa losing badly or many a batting collapse. It will be a long road for them and players will battle it out.
One of the most supported Cricket teams globally needs to be back at best in their game and that will only do wonders for more and more people watching the game.
