Standby for Aussie epic

INDIA have come and gone. And much to the disappointment of South African fans, they have virtually conquered. Having lost the Test series 2-1, the visitors from the subcontinent blew away the Proteas in the ODI series through marvellous batting from their skipper Virat Kohli and the wizardry of their leg-spinners.

And then they had just enough left in their tank to win the T20 series decider at a roaring Newlands on Saturday evening even without the talismanic Kohli.

There were mitigating circumstances, though, with South Africa missing many of their senior players for the limited-overs leg of the tour.

Coach Ottis Gibson admitted as much after the T20 reversal, saying it was a “massive loss” to be without experienced players, especially captain Faf du Plessis.

However, it was not all doom and gloom with some new faces putting up their hands for the future.

Titans batsman Heinrich Klaasen was the undoubted stand-out after playing two sensational innings, while his franchise teammate Junior Dala was particularly impressive with the new ball too.

Equally, debutant Christiaan Jonker may have swatted his way into the Proteas’ plans moving forward with a blitzkrieg innings at Newlands.

For all of these positives, Gibson though cannot be thankful enough that the likes of Du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada are set to return for the Australian Test series starting this week in Durban.

They are the spine of the Proteas Test side and all their qualities are going to be much-needed against an Australian team intent on maintaining a brilliant record here in South Africa.

The Proteas have yet to beat the Aussies on home soil in a Test since returning from isolation in 1991.

It is not going to be an easy task this time around either with Steve Smith having a potent pace attack at his disposal. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are filled with confidence after recently running through England 4-0 in the Ashes series at home.

Much will be dependent on the surfaces provided, but rest assured it going to be another epic series.