Khalid Mohidin selects his Proteas Team of the Decade. What is yours?

Dean Elgar:

Elgar has been a key figure at the top of the order for the Proteas ever since he made his debut in 2012. The opener’s grittiness and stubbornness approach have made him one of the toughest batsmen to bowl against. Since his introduction, he has brought stability to the Proteas’ top order.

Matches: 59 (2012 – 2019)
Runs: 3,644 Average: 39.18
100s: 12 50s: 13

Graeme Smith: Captain

Although these stats were taken over the past decade and towards the latter stage of Smith’s career, there is no denying the magnitude of the Proteas opener. He still ranks as the fifth-highest South African run-scorer of the decade. Smith has been arguably the Proteas’ most successful captain and opener in their history. Although he never the greatest run in his last 10 games, he did manage to score 224 against Pakistan before that run in 2013, his final big score before his retirement in at the start of 2014.

Matches: 38 (2010 – 2014)
Runs: 2,814 Average: 45.38
100s: 9 50s: 12

Hashim Amla:

There is no doubt that Amla is one of the greatest batsmen South Africa has produced. His calmness at the crease and immaculate timing have made him one of the Proteas’ most reliable batsmen, especially during a period where they were losing a lot of their legendary players. With England touring South Africa as we hit the new decade, it’s a time for us to feed our nostalgia and remember the time the bearded genius scored 311 not out, against England at The Oval, London in 2012.

Matches: 85 (2010 – 2019)
Runs: 6,695 Average: 49,96
100s: 21 50s: 27

Jacques Kallis:

Kallis only played 33 matches in this period, but still managed to score 2,810 runs at an average of almost 60. He also scored 13 centuries. 2010 was the year when he broke his double-century draught. He first famously scored a double century (201*) against India in December 2010 and then his second one (224) came against Sri Lanka in January 2012. He retired on a high and as one of the greatest cricketers in history.

Matches: 33
Runs: 2,810 Average: 58,54
100s: 13 50s: 6

AB de Villiers:

The most electrifying batsman in World Cricket, De Villiers was able to dominate in all formats of the game. The last decade saw De Villiers’ at his peak. November 2010 saw him score his highest score – 278 not out against Pakistan. It was also a sad period for De Villiers fans, who saw his incredible career brought to a halt when he retired after the famous Australia Test series victory in March 2018.

Matches: 60
Runs: 5,059 Average: 57.48
100s: 13 50s: 27

Quinton de Kock: Wicketkeeper

De Kock has been described amongst some fans and pundits as South Africa’s best batsman of the current generation. For this reason, he sees this list instead of Mark Boucher. From a wicketkeeper’s perspective, De Kock still has a long way to go to reach Boucher’s level, but as a batsman, there is no doubt about his talent. He is currently the highest-ranked South African batsman in the ICC Test Rankings and is worthy of being on this list.

Matches: 43
Runs: 2,554 Average: 38.11
100s: 5 50s: 17

Vernon Philander:

Philander has occupied a position that the Proteas have been lacking for some time. He plugged the whole as a No 7 all-rounder, a position that the Proteas have been struggling to fill. Although bowling is his speciality, he still managed eight key half-centuries during this decade. His performances see him ranked No 4 on the ICC all-rounder rankings. This decade saw the start of his career in 2011, as he flew onto the Test scene with four five-fors in his first three Tests. It also saw him announce his retirement on 23 December 2019, with the series against England being his last, starting the new decade with a farewell to one of South Africa’s all-time greats.

Matches: 60
Runs: 1,619 Average: 24.16
100s: 0 50s: 8
Wickets: 216 Average: 22.16
5’s: 13 10’s: 2

Dale Steyn:

One of the greatest fast bowlers of this decade? Definitely. Steyn has been phenomenal for the Proteas in the Test arena. The last decade kicked off with his best innings figures 7/51 in February 2010 against India. He also managed his best ever match figures during this last decade – 11/60 against Pakistan in February 2013. While it has been a phenomenal 10 years for Steyn, it also saw him hang up his boots. He retired as the greatest ever South African Test bowler in February 2019 with 438 wickets to his name.

Matches: 59
Wickets: 267 Average: 22.29
5’s: 15 10s: 2

Morne Morkel:

This decade also saw the retirement of another South African legend. Morkel called it quits on a high after he helped South Africa to a famous series victory against the ball-tampering Australia. He played three matches in that series taking 15 wickets, which included his best ever match figures of 9/110. He also took an incredible seven five-fors in an innings during this period, taking only one before then in February 2008 against Bangladesh.

Matches: 67
Wickets: 248 Average: 25.99
5’s: 7 10’s: 0

Kagiso Rabada:

Rabada has been the player of the decade. After making his debut in November 2015 against India, he has gone on to be one of South Africa’s most valuable players. For some time during this period, he was ranked No 1 in the World, but he currently sits in the No 2 position. Still only 24 it can be assumed that we have yet to see the best of this young superstar.

Matches: 40
Wickets: 183 Average: 22.50
5’s: 9 10’s: 4

Keshav Maharaj:

Maharaj has quickly become one of the greatest spinners the Proteas have ever had. In just 27 matches, he has raced to 100 Test wickets. He has been a key player for the Proteas, especially during a period where they have struggled to produce World Class spinners.

Matches: 27
Wickets: 100 Average: 31.88
5’s: 5 10’s: 1

Special Mention:

Faf du Plessis:

The Proteas skipper was handed the difficult task of leading the Proteas during a period that saw them lose some of their greatest ever players. In recent times, he has had to up his batting performances and had to pull South Africa out of tricky situations and lead a side heavily reliant on inexperienced players. He managed to lead the Proteas to series wins in Australia and against the Baggy Greens at home. He also managed a series win against India at home. He now has the task to lead the Proteas into another transition phase.

Runs: 3,750 Average: 41.66
100s: 9 50s: 21

* These stats have been taken from performances by the players during 1 January 2010 – 24 December 2019

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix