Lessons Learnt

JJ Smuts celebrates taking the wicket of Alex Carey in the third ODI in Potchefstroom. SA beat Australia 3-0 in the ODI series.

Remember that series win over the Aussies?

SA batting order may have a unique look to it for a few years

WORDS: STUART HESS

David Warner reacts.

The Proteas celebrate the wicket of Aaron Finch.

Photos: Siphiwe Sibeko ; Reuters

SOUTH AFRICA did win their last three one-day international matches before the national lockdown, all against Australia. It was an ODI series that gave a proper look at the future – and it’s a future that could include three wicketkeeper-batsmen in the top five.

Quinton de Kock as captain is not interested in giving up the gloves, and in Heinrich Klaasen, who finished as the top scorer against Australia and Kyle Verrynne, who showed plenty of composure in the middle order, the Proteas batting order may have a unique look to it for a few years.

The national team’s management would like to see Janneman Malan, who lit up that series with a fine century in the second ODI in Bloemfontein, build on that performance and cement his spot alongside De Kock at the top of the order.

Depth remains a concern in the batting, which is why it’s crucial that Andile Phehlukwayo improves his consistency in the next 12 months as one of the team’s seam bowling all-rounders.

The bowling has no such problem, as there are plenty of options, which will allow for rest and rotation and also allow for good competition.

It’s worth remembering that the series win against the Australians was achieved without Kagiso Rabada. A trio of Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi is a mouthwatering prospect as the limited-overs side seeks to refine its identity ahead of the big ICC tournaments coming up over the next few years. Beauran Hendricks and Lutho Sipamla will be waiting on their sidelines for their chance.

HOW THE SERIES AGAINST AUSTRALIA UNFOLDED

1st ODI South Africa 291/7 (H Klaasen 123*, D Miller 64, K Verrynne 48) Australia 217 (S Smith 76, M Labuschagne 41. L Ngidi 3/30) SA won by 74 runs. MoM: Klaasen

2nd ODI Australia 271 (A Finch 69, D Short 69. L Ngidi 6/58) South Africa 274/4 (J Malan 129*, H Klaasen 51) SA won by 6 wickets. MoM: Malan

3rd ODI Australia 254/7 (M Labuschagne 108) South Africa 258/4 (JJ Smuts 84, K Verrynne 50, H Klaasen 68*) SA won by 6 wickets. MoM: Smuts. PoS: Klaasen