Keegan Petersen wins the hearts of supporters

The Proteas’ historic victory against India will always be remembered as the series where a new star was unearthed, stand up and take a bow, Keegan Petersen.

In the midst of the retirement of Quinton de Kock, someone needed to step up and be the star for the Proteas.

ALSO READ: PROTEAS HOLD ON TO UNBEATEN HOME RECORD AGAINST INDIA

Dean Elgar put in his usual shift for the Proteas, Temba Bavuma showed his metal, but it was South Africa’s No 3 that has won the hearts of many supporters.

He scored 3 half-centuries – 62, 72 and 82 – which helped him finish as the top run-scorer in the series.

After the win Petersen said:

“I don’t know how I feel, it hasn’t sunk in yet. Happy, emotional but just grateful to have had the opportunity. I took every little positive I can from every innings and build on that. It’s been a tough journey, not easy. Have had to stick to my guns and fight it out.

“It’s been a long journey, can’t really tell the whole story right now. It’s not been easy even coming into Tests; challenging wickets, changing conditions, have had to deal with what has been in front of me.

“We’ve always had to tough it out against a high-quality bowling attack, high-quality team. Just spending time at the wicket is crucial. The evident longer you bat, the easier it gets. I enjoyed every moment of it.”

Proteas skipper Dean Elgar was complimentary of his Man of the Series:

“He’s dominated domestic cricket, awesome to see him have a great series. Long may he grow, there’s a lot of improvement from his point of view. The world is his oyster. Even though he’s someone older, he’s willing to learn. He’s a proper character within that team environment. Proud of what he has achieved.”