Marks out of ten for each of South Africa’s players, following their convincing 2-1 victory over Australia in a highly charged series down under
Firdose Moonda in Adelaide28-Nov-201610Kyle Abbott
Brought on the tour as a reserve bowler, Kyle Abbott was picked ahead of Morne Morkel for the Hobart and Adelaide Tests and stepped up in spectacular fashion. With red ball, he found swing and took a match-haul of nine including 6 for 77 at the Bellerive Oval to win the series. With pink ball, he managed to make the ball just wobble off the seam and added four more. These two Tests were the first Abbott has played consecutively in a series since his debut three years ago, proving why he is called the best 12th man around. He has earned the right to a longer run.9Vernon Philander
Making his comeback from an ankle ligament tear that kept him out of action for almost seven months last season, Vernon Philander looked back at his best – maybe even a little better. He stepped up in Dale Steyn’s absence in Perth to limit the Australian first-innings lead, scored 73 to build South Africa’s second innings, and ripped through the hosts in Hobart to dismiss them for 85. Philander’s pink-ball game was not quite as good but, all-round, he put in a performances away from home that proved he is much more than a Newlands bully.8Quinton de Kock
Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s hot streak with the bat featured four consecutive half-centuries, dating back to the New Zealand series in August, before he topped that up with what proved to be a match-winning century in Hobart. De Kock’s ability to score quickly has bulked up South Africa’s lower-middle order and, although he will be disappointed not to have helped build more of a target in Adelaide, he is the only one of their batsmen to have showed consistent form.Kagiso Rabada
At just 21, Rabada plays with the maturity of a man much older and the results are speaking for themselves. Rabada was South Africa’s highest wicket-taker, two behind series-topper Josh Hazlewood, and combined raw pace with excellent control to earn the title of spearhead. Although Rabada has shrugged off such comments, he is increasingly looking like the leader of the attack. His five-for completed the Perth win and he took wickets in Hobart and Adelaide at crucial times to underline his value to the South African team.Quinton de Kock went after the Australian bowlers with vigour•Cricket Australia/Getty Images6Faf du Plessis
The stand-in captain went from hero to villain to hero again (to some) in a series in which he made a case to take over the role permanently. Faf du Plessis managed his troops excellently in Perth, especially after Dale Steyn broke down, and Hobart before he needed them to back him up in the “mint-gate” scandal. That they rallied behind him with such force showed how much respect he commands. The Australian public were much harsher on du Plessis and have branded him a cheat (he was found guilty of ball tampering and is fighting the verdict on appeal) but he used that as fuel to change his fortunes with the bat. Du Plessis’ hundred came amid boos in Adelaide but was seen as a sign of character in his own changeroom. After being dropped last season, du Plessis has now come full circle and South Africa have the problem of plenty in the batting and leadership departments.Temba Bavuma
The little man with the big heart, Temba Bavuma won many fans in Australia for his commitment and class. He scored two gritty half-centuries in Perth and Hobart and would have been disappointed at being unable to convert either of them into bigger scores, but has given South Africa a glimpse of a bright batting future. His series will be best remembered for his lively fielding and the run-out of David Warner in Perth that has become the stuff of legend.5.5JP Duminy
In Perth, where his Test career began, Duminy resurrected it with a big hundred to help South Africa post a match-winning total at the WACA. But he did not contribute much after that, and his bowling was hardly required. Although Duminy played an essential role as a senior player, he looks likeliest to have to make way when AB de Villiers returns.Dean Elgar
As the senior member of the top two, much rested on Dean Elgar and he shouldered the responsibility well with a century in Perth. That innings also helped bury some demons – Elgar made a pair there, on debut, four years ago. He may be concerned, however, that none of his other scores were higher than 17 and he was unable to share in any substantial stands with his opening partner.How often have you seen Hashim Amla finish at the bottom of the pile?•Cricket Australia/Getty Images5Stephen Cook
After a tough tour in which his technique was dissected and dismissed as inadequate, Stephen Cook showed why he had thrived for a his decade-and-a-half on the first-class scene with an ugly but effective hundred in the second innings in Adelaide. Cook’s patience and determination are the two ingredients most needed in an opener, but he may still have some work to do outside his off stump. He is likely to be retained for at least the next series but will know that he and Elgar need to start clicking if they are to survive in the long term.Keshav Maharaj
One of the two rookie spinners on the tour, Keshav Maharaj put his hand up as a future prospect with an impressive debut in Perth. He was disciplined and complemented the quicks while also proving feisty with bat in hand. Maharaj did not have much of a role in Hobart and may have thought himself unlucky to miss out in Adelaide, but will take comfort in knowing that the international stage is sure to see more of him.4Tabraiz Shamsi
The other South African debutant was chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, who was held back as a secret weapon for the day-night Test. Much like Imran Tahir, he appeared overawed by the occasion and seemed to try too many things in the first innings, but returned well to find turn and bounce in the second. Shamsi is a unique asset to any team and is difficult to pick, but will need to work on his keeping things a little tighter going forward.3Hashim Amla
South Africa’s most experienced batsman had a disappointing series to add to a lean away run that stretches back to 2014. Hashim Amla’s last four away tours have only brought 233 runs at 16.64. He was out to Josh Hazlewood on all five occasions here, leading to an examination of his technique – he seems to playing inside the line too often – and questions over whether he is in decline. That he put down three catches only added to such suggestions. But Amla was more vocal than he has ever been, particularly in defence of Faf du Plessis, and seems to be stepping up in the senior-role stakes. Batting coach Neil McKenzie has predicted the Sri Lankan attack may come in for some punishment during South Africa’s home summer, which may prove pivotal in Amla’s distinguished career.
