Proteas Test Series Player Ratings v India

The Proteas made the entire country proud when they pulled off a series win against the number one ranked Test side last Friday. Dean Elgar’s side came back from losing the first match to win the series 2-1 and prevented India from a first Test series win in South Africa.

There were a number of outstanding performances that inspired the series win. I have left out Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder (both played one match each) as I provide the player ratings from the series.

Dean Elgar 9/10

Runs 235, Average 47, HS 96*

The Proteas’ captain led from the front with his courageous and gritty batting. His innings of 96* in the fourth innings of the second Test to level the series was nothing short of sensational. He took countless blows to the body during the series and especially during that match-winning innings and inspired his side to a fantastic series win. Not to forget his knock of 77 in the fourth innings of the first Test and his leadership on and off the field.

Aiden Markram 2/10

Runs 76, Average 12.66, HS 31

Aiden was one of the few disappointments during the series as he looked well out of form and was exposed by India’s world-class bowling attack. It was a disappointing series for him considering the huge strides he made in white-ball cricket last year. A lot of questions will be asked about his place in the Test side which will make the away series against New Zealand crucial for his Test career if selected.

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Keegan Petersen 9/10

276 Runs Average 46, HS 82*

The Man of the Match in the series decider and the Player of the Series in his first home Test series. Keegan Petersen impressed a lot of people with his technique and composure in tough batting conditions. After a shaky start in the first Test at Centurion, he scored three fifties in his four remaining innings and played a massive part in his country’s series win.

Rassie van der Dussen 5/10

Runs 117, Average 23.40, HS 41*

Unlike Markram, Rassie had some valuable contributions with the bat even though he also looked out of form. His technique is still a concern for someone coming in at four but his toughness and ability to put his hand up when called upon proved valuable once again for the Proteas. His scores of 40 and 41* in both successful run chases epitomising that.

Temba Bavuma 8/10

Runs 221, Average 73.66 HS 52

Another player who always seems to stand up when his country needs him is Temba Bavuma. His technique, positive batting and confidence stood out in a series where batting was very difficult. He will however be disappointed with not kicking on from his starts and getting that second Test ton but you have to feel that it’s not too far away for South Africa’s vice-captain.

Kyle Verreynne 5/10

Runs 21 Average 10.50, HS 21, Catches 14

We can’t be too critical of Verreynne’s batting considering the conditions, lack of experience and quality of the opposition. He did however have a great series behind the stumps taking 14 catches in the two matches he played. He’s another one who’ll be hoping to contribute with the bat in the next Test series.

Marco Jansen 8/10

Wickets 19, Average 16.47, BB 4/31

Marco Jansen’s performance was definitely one of the biggest surprises in the series. He did not have the best of starts at Centurion but grew in stature throughout the series. His temperament and aggression were both very impressive for a 21-year-old. Only Kagiso Rabada took more wickets than him in the series and if he could work on his batting, the Proteas could have themselves a world-class all-rounder.

Keshav Maharaj 4/10

Wickets 1 Average 119, BB 1/47

Maharaj will probably be disappointed that he did not have a bigger part to play in the series win. He did make contributions with the bat as a night watchman.

Kagiso Rabada 9/10

Wickets 20 Average 19.05, BB 4/42

It was good to see KG Rabada back to his best in this series as he looked like the Rabada of old in Test cricket. He’s another one who did not get off to a great start at Centurion but his performance at the Wanderers and Newlands reminded everyone just how good he is. He also ended the series as the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets.

Duanne Olivier 6/10

Wickets 5 Average 39, BB 3/64

I’m sure many South African were disappointed to see Olivier bowling in the low one 130s considering how dangerous he was with the ball before his Kolpak stint. It’s hard to see a place for him in the side if he’s not going to be “The Enforcer” and will surely lose his place to Nortje unless he can regain his pace and zip.

Lungi Ngidi 7/10

Wickets 15 Average 15, BB 6/71

It was good to see Ngidi making an impact with the ball as he bowled well throughout the series. He was South Africa’s standout bowler in the first Test and took crucial wickets in the second and third Tests.