South Africa: Finally a worthy no.1 Test team

It has been an interesting period of international cricket with most of the top teams undergoing a phase of transition. With many big stalwarts of the game leaving the field, the onus of filling the void left behind hasn’t been an easy task for almost all the countries. Be it Australia, India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan; the loss of many greats is imminent in their disastrous performances donning the white jersey. One team that has fortunately been spared from the curse of transition is South Africa.

Ever since the inclusion of Gary Kirsten after his historic association with India’s successful World Cup campaign, the team has looked a rejuvenated side. Blessed with a well settled team and a vastly experienced captain, the team has developed dramatically into a champion side, at least in the longer format of the game. Unlike the others, South Africa still have the services of many of their seasoned campaigners, which has been their biggest contributor.

After the end of the Aussie domination in all formats of the game, there have been quite a few no.1 teams and some serious contenders for the spot, but none have been as assuring as this African side. India were on the top for quite some time but their 8 overseas losses meant they didn’t deserve the right to stay on the top just on the basis of dominating home performances. India’s slide meant England were the new no.1. A clearly over-hyped team, especially by the English media, they never quite satisfied the no.1 tag. Their vulnerability against spin still remains large and unanswered. Eventually, they lost in their backyard to a team that was worthy of being tagged as the best Test side in the world. What followed was complete dominance by Smith and his men. A dominance that would earn them a prize money of $450,000 and the much coveted Test mace for being the best side in the purest form of the game on April 1st.

Certainly, when a team has its three batsmen in the top 10, three bowlers in the top 10 and the best allrounder in Kallis; more often than not the team finds itself unmatched. Hashim Amla‘s never-ending run scoring abilities along with AB de Villiers‘ amazing consistency and versatility and Kallis’ stature as one of the finest batsmen ever, has helped the team grow leaps and bounds. With Smith’s opening spot unquestioned and Du Plessis’ inclusion into the lower middle order, the gaps seem to have been plugged. Not to forget the contribution of the world’s best bowling attack presently. Steyn has time and again proved why he is the best and fittest fast bowler in the world right now. Along with Philander’s amazing consistency and Morkel’s amazing skills, the bowling attack is feared today in world cricket. With back ups like Tsotsobe, Abott and de Lange, the team is filled with many valuable speedsters. The only problem that seems to arise is the spin attack. Although Peterson has answered the calls so far, how effective will he be in sub continent remains to be answered. South Africa hasn’t toured the sub continent for some time now. And the only thing that remains unanswered is, “will South Africa conquer Asia too?” Though the question still remains, it is safe to say that this batting line up will not crumble, unlike Australia, England or New Zealand, against spin. The bowling attack too will not be as poor as the Aussies that toured India recently.

With success comes new challenges and so far South Africa have answered them with some intent and stature. The amazing spirit shown in the series win against Australia still refreshes your memory. To be on the backfoot for the first 2 Tests, then fighting it out bravely to draw both of them, and then fighting back and completely annihilating the kangaroos, was unbelievable. The white wash against Pakistan vindicated their might at the top. Though there will be tougher times ahead for Smith and co, the journey so far has been quite unbelievable. A country that was not allowed to play during the Apartheid time rules the purest form of cricket right now. Well done South Africa, and all the best for the challenges ahead.