The home Test series against Bangladesh has been a success for more reasons than one. Not only did it ensure that playing two spinners at home would be a viable option, but it also showed the talent depth in South African cricket.

Prior to the first Test, it was confirmed that the IPL-bound players would not take part in this series. That list included pacers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen as well as batters Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen. And despite that setback, they managed to score two clinical victories against an upbeat Bangladesh team that had just overpowered a full-strength Proteas ODI team.

SA Test captain Dean Elgar was full of appreciation for how well the relative newcomers brilliantly stepped up and contributed. It was an excellent display of synergy, with several players notching up noteworthy performances.

At the same time, Elgar recognized the healthy competition that was brewing, now that there are even more players vying to make the starting XI on a regular basis.

And it’s to be noted that two Tests don’t necessarily present the bigger picture, but whenever new players arrive and take the initiative, it’s always a positive sign.

Ryan Rickelton didn’t get a game in the series against India or in the tour of New Zealand, but it was worth the wait. He showed glimpses of his potential after a tremendous domestic season for the Lions.

Similarly, Lizaad Williams also got his first dose of Tests, and he’s demonstrated his ability with the new ball.

In addition, the return of Simon Harmer has boosted the spin contingent for the Proteas – he and Keshav Maharaj have formed a seriously formidable duo that would skittle out Bangladesh for two sub-100 4th-innings totals.

“I don’t think the statement of them ‘coming back’ is a fair one. I think the guys that have played right now have made a massive statement with regards to the few opportunities they’ve had,” said Elgar.

“And ultimately it was for us to give them opportunities to see what Test cricket’s all about, but in saying that, we’ve got a decent batting pool going forward now. I can’t comment about whether or not those guys will be selected.

“But yes, it was nice to see guys like Rickelton come in and take to it pretty well. And obviously, the intensity of Test cricket wasn’t quite like playing against let’s say, England. But he got a taste, and he now understands the arena as well as what we expect from him as a player.”

Everything seems to have fallen in place. Ever since Elgar was put in charge, South Africa have never lost a Test series. And whenever they lost a game, they came back with even more willpower and strength to flip the scripts.

It happened against a world-class Indian team at home, and after a stiff innings defeat in the first Test against NZ, SA would come back and square it up. The self-belief is back and the WTC campaign has been buoyant.

Now comes the interesting headache. The rise of a few players has definitely put more pressure on the stalwarts, and more will be expected of them to be doubly sure that they own their spots.

It’s this sort of tussle that can be very motivating and rewarding, and it’s something the captain is eagerly looking forward to seeing.

“There’s still plenty of time to iron out those creases and hopefully get the best balance for us in the future.”