OBAKENG MELETSE
The Proteas’ 40-run win in the second Test against the West Indies ensured that they continued their dominance over the home side as they won their 10th consecutive series against the men from the Caribbean.
Here, we rate how each player did during the series.
Temba Bavuma: 7/10
His top score of 86 deserved to be converted into three figures, but his overall captaincy in the series showed a lot of proactiveness with a lot of good, timely changes and field placings.
Aiden Markram: 5/10
He ended the series with an overall average of 28 and a high score of 51. His career average in Test matches outside South Africa is 22.19 while he performs better in his home conditions, averaging 43.50. There was a slight improvement on this tour but he needs to do more, especially at the top of the order.
Tony de Zorzi: 8/10
The leading run scorer across the two matches, after having been promoted to open the batting, he adapted well to the different situations and had the perfect game plans to counter the West Indies bowling attack.
Tristan Stubbs: 6/10
He had a lot of good starts that he failed to convert into meaningful scores. He brings something different to the side and his innings of 68 off 50 balls showed the damage he could do when his natural game comes into play.
David Bedingham: 5/10
He was fairly quiet in the Caribbean, based on the standards he has set since making his debut against India last year. His three outings produced 57 runs and similar to Stubbs, he had two good starts but got out at crucial times on both occasions.
Ryan Rickelton: 5/10
He only played a single innings and scored 19 runs. He needs to be afforded a fair chance to show what he can do at Test level. Rickelton is highly talented and an extended run could settle him and showcase his full potential.
Kyle Verreynne: 7/10
He was solid with gloves and bat. The second Test match’s surface was up and down with a lot of inconsistent bounce and he did well behind the stumps. His performance with the bat was vital in the Proteas’ series win.
Wiaan Mulder: 7/10
He didn’t do much wrong with ball and bat, and he had enough impact in both matches to determine the result of the series. He had previously shown a bit of inconsistency with ball and bat but in this series he found the perfect recipe. His four wickets in the West Indies’ first innings of the second Test were crucial and kept the Proteas in the hunt.
Keshav Maharaj: 8/10
He is in full control of his game and his balance between attack and defence has brought him a lot of success. His 13 wickets in the series solidified his position as arguably the best spinner to have represented South Africa in Test cricket.
Kagiso Rabada: 8/10
He kept things simple as he often does. The wicket of Kavem Hodge for 29 was vital as it disrupted the momentum of the chase and exposed the lower half of the batting order in the second Test. His eight wickets in the series have pushed him to within one of the magical 300 mark.
Dane Piedt: 7/10
He settled well into action, and bowled good lines at good speed.
Lungi Ngidi: 6/10
His second innings was a little bit more expensive, but he generally bowled well for large parts of the first Test match even though he picked up only one wicket.
Nandre Burger: 710
His express pace offers something different up front and when the game needs an injection of energy. The scalps of Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty set the tone for the Proteas’ comeback in the second Test match.