Kallis and Ntini lead the line
Cricinfo's report card on South Africa's performance
Andrew McGlashan
29-Jan-2007
South Africa ended a packed Test season of six matches in less than two months with an impressive 2-1 victory over Pakistan. It was a series dominated by the bowlers on helpful pitches that produced short, sharp and entertaining cricket. But who were the leading men for South Africa? Cricinfo runs the rule over the squad
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Jacques Kallis
South Africa will be dreading the day Kallis hangs up his bat and boots. He continues to amaze by his all-round feats. The leading run-scorer of the series and his bowling was vital in a weaker attack at Newlands. The single-mindedness to put any situation out of his mind and just bat is his greatest asset. Throw in the slip catching and he is a colossal player. Only thing missing was a century, but there haven't been many knocking around for South Africa in recent times.
9
Makhaya Ntini
Will this guy ever stop running in? It's just a case of plug him in, charge him up and let him go. The leading fast bowler in the world, although there's limited competition, and almost a guaranteed source of early, middle or late wickets. Passed 300 Test wickets at Port Elizabeth and didn't deserve to finish on the losing side there. Not much chance of a rest, but does he need one?
Makhaya Ntini
Will this guy ever stop running in? It's just a case of plug him in, charge him up and let him go. The leading fast bowler in the world, although there's limited competition, and almost a guaranteed source of early, middle or late wickets. Passed 300 Test wickets at Port Elizabeth and didn't deserve to finish on the losing side there. Not much chance of a rest, but does he need one?
8
Shaun Pollock
Set a precedent when he was rested for the final Test, it takes a lot for a leading strike bowler to miss a deciding match. Not that he didn't deserve to put his feet up after continuing the form he'd showed against India. Thrifty with the ball and useful with bat he offered precious control and breathing space for Smith. October 2003 was his last five-wicket haul, but that's not his role anymore.
Shaun Pollock
Set a precedent when he was rested for the final Test, it takes a lot for a leading strike bowler to miss a deciding match. Not that he didn't deserve to put his feet up after continuing the form he'd showed against India. Thrifty with the ball and useful with bat he offered precious control and breathing space for Smith. October 2003 was his last five-wicket haul, but that's not his role anymore.
8
Ashwell Prince
The owner of the only three-figure score in the series, his 138 laid the foundations for victory in the first Test at Centurion Park. Never attempts anything flashy - it's a South African trait - but the numbers can't be argued with, as he ends the season's six Tests averaging 60.67. Danish Kaneria caused him the most problems, especially with the googly, and other spinners will have taken note.
Ashwell Prince
The owner of the only three-figure score in the series, his 138 laid the foundations for victory in the first Test at Centurion Park. Never attempts anything flashy - it's a South African trait - but the numbers can't be argued with, as he ends the season's six Tests averaging 60.67. Danish Kaneria caused him the most problems, especially with the googly, and other spinners will have taken note.
7
Mark Boucher
As combative and aggressive as ever. His innings at Cape Town was a vital momentum-shifter, while the 46 at Port Elizabeth almost gave his side enough to bowl at. He'll never quite enjoy the same acclaim as Adam Gilchrist, but provides crucial balance to South Africa. Catches virtually everything off the quickmen and was tidy against the unusual sight of a South African spinner. Leading the race to 400 dismissals.
Mark Boucher
As combative and aggressive as ever. His innings at Cape Town was a vital momentum-shifter, while the 46 at Port Elizabeth almost gave his side enough to bowl at. He'll never quite enjoy the same acclaim as Adam Gilchrist, but provides crucial balance to South Africa. Catches virtually everything off the quickmen and was tidy against the unusual sight of a South African spinner. Leading the race to 400 dismissals.
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Herschelle Gibbs
Was showing a return to somewhere near his best during the 94 at Centurion Park, which formed a rare period of bat-dominated action. His future appears to be in the middle order, unless the desperation for an opener forces him up. The stump-mic incident in Pretoria tarnished his efforts, but he'll serve his bans and be back refreshed during the one-day series.
6
Graeme Smith
Still having to graft for every run and found life tough against Mohammad Asif. Playing around his front pad is a major weakness now known around the world, but by sheer willpower he has managed to contribute handy runs at vital stages. His 64 at Cape Town was worth a century. Continues to grow as a captain and safe as houses at first slip.
Graeme Smith
Still having to graft for every run and found life tough against Mohammad Asif. Playing around his front pad is a major weakness now known around the world, but by sheer willpower he has managed to contribute handy runs at vital stages. His 64 at Cape Town was worth a century. Continues to grow as a captain and safe as houses at first slip.
6
Paul Harris
The surprise package of the season; South Africa might have found a wicket-taking spinner out of nowhere. Enjoyed helpful conditions, but bowled a pleasingly attacking line even when over the wicket. Without his 4 for 46 at Centurion Park the target would have been more testing than 199.
Paul Harris
The surprise package of the season; South Africa might have found a wicket-taking spinner out of nowhere. Enjoyed helpful conditions, but bowled a pleasingly attacking line even when over the wicket. Without his 4 for 46 at Centurion Park the target would have been more testing than 199.
6
Hashim Amla
Yet to convince that he'll score big runs against the best attacks with Asif doing him three times in the series. However, he played Kaneria well, especially at Centurion where his twin half-centuries were a decisive factor. Has been offered an extended run that others may not have received, but not being part of the one-day team means he'll have to wait for his next international outing.
Hashim Amla
Yet to convince that he'll score big runs against the best attacks with Asif doing him three times in the series. However, he played Kaneria well, especially at Centurion where his twin half-centuries were a decisive factor. Has been offered an extended run that others may not have received, but not being part of the one-day team means he'll have to wait for his next international outing.
5
Dale Steyn
Was handed another one-off Test and got better the more he bowled. A no-ball issue blighted the first innings, but his 90mph outswing in the second was a joy to watch. Can still bowl those rapid leg-cutters (a la Michael Vaughan 2004) and, so long as he can stay fit, has a long Test career especially once Pollock leaves the scene.
Dale Steyn
Was handed another one-off Test and got better the more he bowled. A no-ball issue blighted the first innings, but his 90mph outswing in the second was a joy to watch. Can still bowl those rapid leg-cutters (a la Michael Vaughan 2004) and, so long as he can stay fit, has a long Test career especially once Pollock leaves the scene.
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Andrew Hall
Almost Test cricket's version of the Supersub - can come in to do many jobs. Nabbed vital wickets at Newlands, they don't come bigger than Inzamam and Yousuf, and was a constant source of drive for his team-mates.
4
Andre Nel
Below par, but not quiet in the process. Found out that you can't just shout your way to wickets. Got carried away bowling short at Port Elizabeth, although he was troubled by a foot problem. In a four-man pace attack he is a valuable attacking option.
Andre Nel
Below par, but not quiet in the process. Found out that you can't just shout your way to wickets. Got carried away bowling short at Port Elizabeth, although he was troubled by a foot problem. In a four-man pace attack he is a valuable attacking option.
3
AB de Villiers
His mark is pretty much for catching alone, as with the willow it was a series to forget - and which would have cost him his place if Herschelle Gibbs hadn't been suspended. Regularly troubled by the swinging ball. Fielding, though, was breathtaking and hopefully some time in pyjamas will rekindle the batting fireworks.
AB de Villiers
His mark is pretty much for catching alone, as with the willow it was a series to forget - and which would have cost him his place if Herschelle Gibbs hadn't been suspended. Regularly troubled by the swinging ball. Fielding, though, was breathtaking and hopefully some time in pyjamas will rekindle the batting fireworks.
1
Boeta Dippenaar
With no more Tests until next autumn Dippenaar's return is likely to be a one-off affair. Never had time to show whether he's a better bet at the top than AB de Villiers, but come their next Test South Africa may have to look to a new face.
Boeta Dippenaar
With no more Tests until next autumn Dippenaar's return is likely to be a one-off affair. Never had time to show whether he's a better bet at the top than AB de Villiers, but come their next Test South Africa may have to look to a new face.
Andrew McGlashan is editorial assistant of Cricinfo