Proteas attack destroys hapless Zim inside 2 days

Inning plus 120-run victory a measure of SA’s pure class

in series against India and Australia.

Just how good the preparation against Zimbabwe was remains to be seen, but there were positives upon which to build for the summer.

Their fast bowlers all came through unscathed, with Morkel and Vernon Philander returning well from injury.

Aiden Markram continues to blossom as an opening batsman, and A B de Villiers reminded us just how much he has been missed with a classy knock in the Proteas’ only innings.

It remains to be seen whether Dale Steyn and Faf du Plessis will be fit to face India in Cape Town on January 5, and Quinton de Kock is also in doubt having suffered a hamstring strain while batting in this match.

But South Africa will be pleased with their efforts over the two days. They produced a consummate performance.

The tourists resumed yest at 30 for four after having been bullied into submission by a fired-up Morkel in the opening evening session on Tuesday.

There was no respite in the first session on day two as the South African attack, spearheaded again by the lanky fast bowler, just kept on coming.

Morkel’s first ball around the wicket for the day was a thing of beauty and struck the top of Ryan Burl’s off-stump. Sikander Raza was next in and the second ball he faced was a nasty, rising delivery that cannoned into his shoulder. Two balls later he looked relieved to be on his bike, giving Morkel his fifth wicket of the innings.

It was Morkel’s first five-for in five years, with the last coming against Australia, in Adelaide, in November 2012. He finished with five for 21.

Kagiso Rabada and Phehlukwayo took two wickets apiece to see Zimbabwe rolled for 68.

Morkel was nursed in the second innings, only bowling four overs, so it was left to Maharaj and Phehlukwayo to get the job done.

And they stood up and were counted, with Maharaj finishing with five for 59.