The return of Kagiso Rabada and a firing Quinton de Kock will be key, as we take a look at 5 reasons why SA will beat Pakistan in the Test series, writes Ravi Reddy.
The Proteas have just concluded a resounding victory in the home test series against Sri Lanka.
In what will be the Proteas first tour abroad since India in 2019, there are varied expectations among the fanatics. Some believe that a drawn series is highly likely, while others believe in the hosts trouncing the visitors. I, on the other hand, believe another Test series victory is imminent.
Here are 5 reasons why:
- The return of Kagiso Rabada
- Quinton de Kock as skipper
- An inform Dean Elgar
- A hungry middle order
- Even Hungrier (ravenous) debutant bowlers
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The return of KG:
Rabada makes his eagerly anticipated return to international Test cricket after missing out on playing in the recent series against Sri Lanka. Rabada is presently sitting on 197 Test wickets and will most likely reach the 200 wicket milestone by the end of the series.
Soldiering along with Rabada are the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj and Lutho Sipamla who are currently in the Test squad at the moment. In addition to this, Karachi is expected to provide plenty of advantages to the spinners and thus we may see Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi serve the Proteas as their spin twins.
The bowling line up, excluding Rabada, have proven that they can win a home Test series without his services. However, his skills and experience are precisely required to demolish an unpredictable Pakistani batting order. Simply put, you never know which Pakistan cricket team you are going to get on the day (either a walkover or a sublime batting display that the four horsemen could not remove).
De Kock as skipper:
We also have our new Test skipper in the form of Quinton de Kock who is coming to Pakistan with a 100% win record (be it only 2 Tests). But as my old cricket coach used to say, “a win is a win, it’s that simple”. De Kock, while quiet and circumspect in his approach, clearly had an influence on the players.
Under his leadership we had a more confident batting order than what was seen against likes of India and England in 2019/20. Ironically, he was the solitary member of the top 6 that didn’t score a 50 against the Sri Lankans. However, I am of the belief that “Quinny” will find form in Pakistan.
Elgar’s promising form:
Dean Elgar is critical to the success of the Proteas team, especially during away tours. There isn’t a batsman on this earth that had a poorer start in his Test career than Dean Elgar. Now he is one of the veteran batsmen that the team is heavily reliant on to perform and score vital runs.
Elgar just came off a sublime series against Sri Lanka where he scored a 50 and a 100 and it’s probable that this vain of form will continue in Pakistan. In addition to Elgar, we have Aiden Markram who seemingly got the demons off his back and managed to find some form in the recent series at home.
Hungry middle order:
Coming in at 3, we have Rassie van der Dussen who narrowly came close to scoring a 100 for the Proteas against England. Van der Dussen received mixed responses to his approach at the crease for scoring too slowly. At this juncture, I would like to remind the cricketing audience that Test cricket is precisely that, taking your time in adapting to changing circumstances.
Van der Dussen was correct in his approach against Sri Lanka and I’m certain he will excel against Pakistan. Yet another elderstatesman and former SA cricket captain, Faf Du Plessis will come in at 4. Du Plessis narrowly missed out on an inaugural double hundred against the Sri Lankan visitors.
However, once again we have a target placed on the back of Temba Bavuma. Bavuma was heavily crticised when he decided to “walk” when the Sri Lankan bowlers appealed for “caught behind”. Bavuma had the option to send the decision for review to the 3rd umpire, however decided to walk back to the pavilion instead.
The consequence of this decision was that he was in the 70s at the time and left many a cricket fan in limbo and wonder. This could have been his 2nd Test century. However all is not lost. Bavuma is a highly adaptable player and will most likely find some form in Pakistan. I am even willing to bet that he will score a hundred whilst on tour, watch this space.
Hungry newbies:
The Cricket South Africa selectors have not been short of surprises with their selections. Some selections were ambitious and straight out of “left field”. The recent selection of Daryn Dupavillion and Ottniel Baartman certainly warranted a number of questions from the fans. However, reassurance was provided considering their success in the 4-Day Series Competition.
Ironically Baartman came in for Glenton Stuurman as an injury replacement. However, since then, Baartman also sustained an injury resulting in Marco Jansen to fly in from South Africa as the newer replacement.
Lutho Sipamla was by far the biggest wildcard draw in the selection process but responded in the best way possible. Sipamla picked up a “4-for” on debut which silenced many critics in the process. Wiaan Mulder also came to the party in a big way by taking vital top-order wickets and forming a hefty partnership with Faf du Plessis with the bat.
Many cricket fans believe that Pakistan playing at home is an advantage. While this may be the case, they are also coming off back-to-back losses against the “Blackcaps”. The proteas have plenty of advantages of their own and will bring their “A-game” against Pakistan.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Check out our analysis of Quinton de Kock’s press conference:
