“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a win away from home,” said Proteas Test captain, Dean Elgar. “It’s great to win a Test, but winning a Test series is massive, especially when you’re on the road.”

South Africa’s batting unit has struggled for consistency over the last few series. Elgar was pleased to see batters, particularly senior batters such as Quinton de Kock, deliver match-winning performances. “It’s great to see a guy like Quinny back in form.

Again, it was only a matter of time before Quinny was going to come in and make a massive play for us,” said Elgar. Elgar was also delighted to see Kagiso Rabada’s contribution with the bat. “In my opinion, KG has let himself down when it comes to batting. I think he’s a lot more talented than what he thinks he is.”

South Africa played two debutants – Keegan Petersen and Kyle Verreynne – this series. “Our debutants rocked up,” said Elgar. He heaped praise on Verreynne for his 27-run knock in the first innings of the second Test match. “He showed a lot of character. Another tough wicket we were on, lost the toss, put in to bat. A very challenging time for a young guy to come in and bat. He really put up his hand, especially in the second Test.”

Similarly, Elgar was effusive in his admiration for Keshav Maharaj, who took a hattrick in the second innings of the second Test match. “He got a Test fifer on a wicket that wasn’t turning. In my opinion, that’s huge. All I have is a lot of respect for Kesh.”

The pace unit, comprising Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi, was amongst the wickets this series. “I think they put the fear of God in the batter’s eyes,” remarked Elgar. “They’re so unique, they know their games. They understand certain game plans. Each guy is different in their own rights.”

This series witnessed a significant improvement in South Africa’s fielding standards. “The intensity we operate at now is obviously at a level we maybe lacked in the past. We were good. Hopefully, it continues.”

Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram, in particular, were fantastic in the slips. “Wiaan has been brilliant. First time he’s been put in at Third Slip in his career. Looks like a natural there. Aiden, first time at Second Slip in his career. He’s obviously a natural fielder. It was great to see our fielding standard being lifted.”

With the next Test series slated to be played against India in December, Elgar believes this break will be useful in analyzing areas for improvement. “Sometimes it’s good to have a break to dissect and become better.”