5 things to look forward to from the second half of 2018

#3 How will South Africa cope with the Morkel-ABD loss?

Faf du Plessis will desperately hope Dale Steyn remains fit for a longer period of time

At the start of 2018, if any neutral supporter had been asked how the way forward looked for South Africa, he might have had some optimistic words to say, the reasons being that AB de Villiers had committed himself to playing all three formats of the game last year and Dale Steyn was once again back in the mix.

However, six months later, the scenario has completely changed. Morne Morkel has retired from the game and adding to that, de Villiers is no more available to play for South Africa, leaving huge holes to fill for the newer generation.

Suddenly, Faf du Plessis not just has the responsibility of winning matches for his country, but needs to see out a transitional period for the side and leave them in a better space before bowing out altogether.

Two players would be absolutely vital in ensuring that happens: Hashim Amla and Steyn. With de Villiers no longer there, runs from Amla's bat will be paramount as it would mean the others around him would bat and learn with experience and with the ball, with a young, emerging attack on the rise, the presence of Steyn will be equally important to guide them at key junctures.

Series in the second half of 2018:

Tests

Vs Sri Lanka, away: 2 Tests, July 12th-July 24th

Vs Pakistan, home: 3 Tests, December 26th-January 15th

ODIs

Vs Sri Lanka, away: July 29th-August 12th

Vs Zimbabwe, home: September 30th-October 6th

Vs Australia, away: November 4th-November 11th

T20Is

Vs Sri Lanka, away: August 14th

Vs Zimbabwe, home: October 9th-October 14th

Vs Australia, away: November 17th