How South Africa beat Australia and what this means for their series against England

South Africa’s performance in the series against Australia was nothing short of sensational.

This article was going to be a report card, rating the players performances over the course of the three games, but ultimately that seems like a futile exercise given the level of performance across the board in what was undoubtedly a series victory where everyone contributed.

Instead, let’s take the opportunity to look at the takeaways following what will surely go down in history as one of the most engrossing Test series ever played on South African soil.

Temba Bavuma’s leadership

Plenty has already been said about Temba Bavuma’s leadership, but it would be amiss not to focus on it again. No player in the history of Test cricket, who has skippered ten or more games, has a better win percentage than Bavuma.

Indeed, Bavuma’s only defeat in Test cricket came in the series opener against Australia. Aside from that he has drawn once and led his team to 13 victories.

His record is better than Donald Bradman, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Pat Cummins. And unlike any of the aforementioned names, Bavuma is not leading a team of mega-stars, not a single batsman in the current Protea lineup is able to boast a batting average of over 40.

Proteas’ all-round depth

The Proteas may not boast any players with a batting average over 40, but where they are blessed is in the allrounder department. A quick look at the latest ICC Test allrounder rankings shows five South African players in the top 20 positions.

Marco Jansen is first, Wiaan Mulder is fourth, Simon Harmer is eighth and KG Rabada is 12th. Keshav Maharah, who only played in Durban also features.

Any team who can field a player like Jansen, who averaged 39.60 with the bat during the series and who took 13 wickets at 19.76 is a team in a good position.

Similarly, Harmer averaged 39.33 with the bat and took 14 wickets at 29.35 with the ball while Mulder weighed in with a batting average of 37.40 and took ten wickets at 23.70.

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Outstanding balance

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two sides over the three-match series was the incredible balance within the South African team. The balance brought by the potent Proteas allrounders is a key part to that, but so too is the balance in their ages and experience.

Where, for the most part, Australia are a creaking unit of experienced old men, most of whom, while still very good players, are past their prime, South Africa have a mix of experience and new blood.

They have players in their prime, players before their prime and players past their prime. That is an important place to be as it brings a host of different perspectives and abilities to the mix.

There was the freshness and confidence of Marques Ackerman, the veteran leadership of Bavuma, the players in their prime like Jansen and Mulder and the experience of Test veterans like Markram and Rabada.

Spoiled for depth

Competition for places and the ability to be flexible with selection is very important and in that regard the Proteas were spoiled for choice. It is not just about who played, take a moment to look at the players not selected.

Senuran Muthusamy scarcely gets a mention, but he is part of the squad. In his last three Tests Muthusamy contributed scores of 109 and 89 not out while also managing match figures of 11 for 174 in Lahore.

That is a remarkable contribution for a man who can’t make the match day XI. Similarly, Keshav Maharaj only played one Test while Anrich Nortje came back from the cold for the two opening games of the series and performed like he had been there for years.

When he departed with injury Gerald Coetzee stepped up and did a job. The Proteas have a very strong first XI, but they also have a very strong second tier, waiting to step up.

No Proteas passengers

Nobody can suggest that the Proteas carried any players. The XI who were selected for each Test were the best available based on form, not reputation.

The same simply cannot be said for Australia where Marnus Labuschagne is the poster child for a selection based on reputation rather than form. Labuschagne managed just 131 runs across six innings for an average of 21.83.

But he was not the only player who lacked form for Australia.

Nic Maddinson who opened in the first two games was an odd selection, while perhaps not enough has been made about the limited return of Australian skipper Pat Cummins who managed just six wickets the whole series at an average of 54.66.

That’s a very middling return from Cummins, especially when one considers how he has been nursed through the white-ball season to ensure that he can deliver maximum value at Test time.

Ryan Rickelton is the solution

The Proteas wicketkeeping conversation finally looks to have an answer. And the answer is Rickelton. While Kyle Verreynne has let nobody down (he boasts four centuries and three 50s) in his 32-game Test career, Rickelton is simply a better batsman.

There is little to choose between the two as glovemen with Rickelton having worked very hard in recent times to polish his skills behind the stumps.

He stood up to the wicket when Wiaan Mulder was bowling and did a very good job at Newlands. The big difference is that where Verreynne averages 22.09 in Tests, Rickelton averages 37.00. It is hard to look past that.

Marques Ackerman has a big future

He is certainly not a youngster as he is already on the wrong side of 30 but given the verve and energy, he brought to the mix since making his debut at St George’s Park, it is hard not to see a big future for Ackerman.

He looked very comfortable at the top of the order and although he failed on three occasions to turn excellent starts into three-figure scores, he nevertheless finished the series with an average of 54.33, the second highest across both teams with only Matt Renshaw ahead of him.

Shukri Conrad the unsung hero

Finally, you can’t comment on the series without making mention of Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. Along with Bavuma the duo makes for an incredible leadership core. They know what they want and they know how they plan to get it.

They are firm yet flexible and they have an uncanny ability of being able to get the best out of their players. While doing commentary duty on SuperSport, Graeme Smith recounted a conversation he had with Rickelton at the end of play on day three.

Rickelton reportedly asked Conrad if there were plans to send in a nightwatchman should a wicket fall in the final overs.

Conrad reportedly replied: ‘No. You are paid to bat; you get out there.’ Rickelton duly found himself heading out to the middle to start a knock that would go on to reach three-figures and take the game away from Australia.

For players, knowing where you stand and what is expected of you is critically important.

Read next: Where do Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf’s heroics rank among the highest ODI 10th-wicket partnerships?

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Is it time to place Temba Bavuma among the greatest captains in Test cricket ever?

Temba Bavuma’s captaincy has frequently been subjected to intense public scrutiny, yet the sheer weight of his achievements is fast silencing the sceptics.

Following South Africa’s explosive innings victory over Australia in Gqeberha, it is officially time to look past the noise and appreciate the monumental era the Proteas skipper is carving out.

Here are eight reasons why Temba Bavuma deserves recognition as one of the finest Test leaders in cricket history.

1. The highest win percentage in Test history

Bavuma’s success is not just good, it is historically unprecedented.

Sitting atop the all-time list of Test captains (with a minimum of 10 matches), Bavuma boasts an astronomical win percentage of 85.71%, having marshalled 12 victories from just 14 matches.

He sits comfortably ahead of all-time great captains like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and, the man who he beat in Gqeberha, Pat Cummins.

Sure, he has only led his side in 14 Tests, but nobody else has done as much with as little as he has in the same period.

2. Leading an under-the-radar batting lineup

Unlike past South African captains who could call upon legendary batting line-ups featuring the likes of Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, or Graeme Smith, Bavuma is executing his successes with a transition-era squad.

He is currently extracting world-class results from a batting unit where no individual batsman holds a career Test average above 40.

Also read: Is this Pakistan’s most promising limited-overs all-rounder since the early days of Shahid Afridi?

3. Out-tacticking Pat Cummins twice

Defeating an elite Australian outfit is a massive milestone; doing it repeatedly to arguably the most dominant modern team elevates Bavuma’s status.

By outplaying Australia, he has now personally bested Pat Cummins twice – the very man holding the third-best captaincy record in the history of the game.

4. Captures the reins and elevates his own game

Many players crumble under the sheer weight of international captaincy, but leadership has acted as a catalyst for Bavuma’s personal form.

• As Captain: His average skyrockets to over 54, exemplified by his magnificent, career-best 179 against Australia.
• As a Non-Captain: His career baseline sat under 35 before taking the armband.

5. Masterful tactical decision-making

Bavuma’s success is anchored by proactive, high-IQ cricketing choices. In the second Test in Gqeberha, rather than looking for a premature or nervous declaration on day three, he resolutely chose to grind down a tired Australian bowling unit.

This allowed lower-order partnerships with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer to flourish, giving South Africa the platform to execute a ruthless two-day victory surge.

6. Breaking hoodoos – the follow-on and the Indian sweep

Under his stewardship, South Africa achieved the rare feat of forcing powerhouse Australia to follow on – marking just the third time the Aussies have suffered that indignity since 1988.

Even more remarkably, Bavuma masterminded a historic 2-0 series whitewash against India in India. To put that into perspective, it was the Proteas’ first series win on Indian soil in 25 years.

Bavuma hasn’t led his side to easy wins over soft targets, he has done it against top opposition in difficult circumstances.

7. Overcoming premium opposition

Bavuma’s win percentage is not inflated by playing lesser-ranked nations.

The Proteas have regularly locked horns with, and dismantled, the heavyweights of world cricket. His resume boasts emphatic victories against heavyweights India, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand.

8. World Test Championship glory

Lest we forget, Bavuma has already translated this ruthless consistency into silverware, proudly leading South Africa to an unforgettable ICC World Test Championship mace at Lord’s. He didn’t just inherit a winning machine; he built one.

He may not be the biggest player physically, but he is a giant of a leader.

Read next: Australia’s Test XI evidently needs new blood – five personnel suggestions they should introduce immediately

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The five times Australia were made to follow on in the last four decades

For decades, Australian cricket has been defined by a ruthless brand of dominance that rarely sees them playing from behind. In many ways you could say that they invented Baz Ball while England just coveted it and named it. Enforcing a follow-on against them is one of the ultimate badges of honour in Test cricket, standing as a testament to bowling supremacy.

Following their extraordinary capitulation at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, the powerful Australians suffered the ultimate indignity. It marks only the fifth time since the mid-1980s that an opposing captain has had the opportunity, and quite possibly the nerve, to tell Australia to bat again.

Here’s a look back at the five most recent times Australia have been forced to follow on in the modern era.

1. October 2026 – South Africa vs. Australia (Gqeberha)

The most recent entry on this exclusive list took place during the Australia tour to South Africa. After South Africa built a mammoth first-innings total of 425/9 declared, anchored by a masterful, gritty century from captain Temba Bavuma (179), the Proteas unleashed a relentless bowling assault.

Led by a fierce five-wicket haul from Marco Jansen, the Australian batting lineup was dismantled for a meagre 99 runs in their first innings.

Faced with a massive 326-run deficit, South Africa ruthlessly enforced the follow-on. Despite a heroic, fighting counterattack from Travis Head, who struck 121 in the second dig, the Australian top order fell apart under the relentless pressure. The Proteas wrapped up an emphatic victory by an innings and 31 runs, leaving the cricketing world stunned by the sheer vulnerability of the Australian batting card.

2. January 2019 – Australia vs. India (Sydney)

Before the disaster in Gqeberha, the last team to make Australia follow on was Virat Kohli’s formidable Indian side during the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Playing at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), India batted first and piled on a staggering 622/7 declared, fuelled by a brilliant 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara and an explosive 159 not out from Rishabh Pant.

In reply, an Australian batting line-up heavily depleted by suspensions collapsed against India’s spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up 5/99. Australia were bundled out for 300, trailing by 322 runs, prompting Kohli to gleefully enforce the follow-on.

It was the first time Australia had been asked to follow on at home in 31 years. inclement weather eventually stepped in to save the hosts from defeat, resulting in a drawn match, it cemented India’s historic first-ever series win in Australia.

Also read: Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

3. August 2005 – England vs. Australia (Nottingham)

To find the instance before Sydney, one must travel back to arguably the greatest Test series of the 21st century: the 2005 Ashes. During the pivotal fourth Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, a fiercely confident England side took total control of the match. Michael Vaughan’s men posted 477 in their first innings, thanks to a superb century from Andrew Flintoff.

What followed was pure theatre. England’s legendary swing merchant Simon Jones ripped through the star-studded Australian line-up, taking 5/44 to skittle the visitors for just 218. Vaughan did not hesitate to enforce the follow-on against Ricky Ponting’s legendary side.

Though Australia fought back valiantly in their second innings to score 387, setting England a tense target of 129, the psychological damage was done. England scrambled home to win by three wickets, taking a crucial 2-1 series lead. Simon Jones injured himself and bowled just four overs in Australia’s second innings – he never played another Test after that.

4. October 1988 – Pakistan vs. Australia (Karachi)

Stepping back into the 20th century, the fourth most recent occurrence saw Allan Border’s developing Australian team hit a roadblock during their tour of Pakistan. In the first Test at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan batted first and compiled a massive total of 469, driven by an exceptional, 211 from Javed Miandad and a disciplined 94 from Shoaib Mohammad.

Australia’s first-innings response was a complete disaster. Facing the legendary left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim, who was turned the ball sharply to claim figures of 5/35, the Australian batting order dissolved for a paltry 165.

Trailing by 304 runs, they were promptly ordered to follow on by Pakistani captain Imran Khan. The second innings offered no redemption; Iqbal Qasim and Abdul Qadir ripped through them again, bowling Australia out for 116. Pakistan completed a brutal victory by an innings and 188 runs.

5. January 1988 – Australia vs. England (Sydney)

The fifth most recent time occurred during the Bicentennial Test match at the SCG. In a historic encounter celebrating 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet, England won the toss, chose to bat, and ground out a robust first-innings total of 425. The innings was framed by a resilient 139 from opener Chris Broad and contributions in the 40’s from Martyn Moxon, Tim Robinson and Bruce French.

Australia’s response lacked the necessary fortitude. Against the disciplined seam-bowling clinic of England’s Graham Dilley (3/54) and the left-arm orthodox spin of John Emburey, Australia collapsed to 214 all out. England skipper Mike Gatting wasted no time in enforcing the follow-on with a lead of 211.

This time, however, Australia showed great resilience. Anchored by a marathon, undefeated 184 from David Boon, Australia batted out 135 overs in their second innings to reach 328/2, successfully forcing a defiant draw.

Read next: Australia’s Test XI evidently needs new blood – five personnel suggestions they should introduce immediately

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How good is Marco Jansen, really, compared to cricket’s modern-day great all-rounders?

South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen has attained the number one position in the bowlers’ and all-rounders’ rankings after playing a stellar role in his team’s huge innings and 31 runs victory over Australia in the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series.

Jansen’s gritty knock of 85 and hauls of five for 33 and one for 34 have, in fact, helped him advance in all three lists of the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings as he has also gained 13 places to reach 56^th position among batters.

Jansen is the first South Africa bowler to occupy the top spot since Kagiso Rabada in November 2024 and the first from his country to become the top-ranked Test all-rounder since Vernon Philander in August 2014.

Captain Temba Bavuma has also made huge progress after his match-winning 179 lifted him four slots to a career-best second position.

He is now only behind England’s Harry Brook and with a chance to become the first South Africa player to top the Test batting rankings since A.B. de Villiers in November 2015.

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Others to move up the Test rankings include Australia fast bowler Scott Boland, who is up three places to sixth position for a haul of five for 81 while South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder is up 10 places to 43^rd after finishing with five wickets across the two innings.

Meanwhile India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 35-ball century against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday has lifted him back to the number one position in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings with his team-mate Ishan Kishan slipping to third after occupying top position for four months.

This is the second stint at the top for Abhishek, who was number one from July 2025 to June this year.

Sanju Samson (up six places to 20^th), Finn Allen (up three places to 25^th) and Glenn Phillips (up 20 places to 37^th) are among the others to move up the list for their performances in the ongoing series in New Zealand while the home side’s captain Mitchell Santner (up seven places to seventh), and India pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh (up six places to 15^th) and Prince Yadav (up 19 places to 83^rd) have progressed in the bowling rankings.

The ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings see England batters Ben Duckett and Brook advance six places each to seventh and eight positions for their knocks in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series also featuring Sri Lanka.

Duckett scored 105 against Pakistan and Brook recorded the fastest double century in the format against Sri Lanka, but both knocks were in losing causes.

Shadab Khan, who helped Pakistan to a one-run victory in Lahore against England with an unbeaten 113, has moved up 32 places to 92^nd while Janith Liyanage of Sri Lanka (up 10 places to 14^th), Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (up seven places to 20^th), Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus (up 15 places to 45^th) and the Netherlands’ Max O’Dowd (up seven places to 55^th) are others to move up among ODI batters.

The ODI bowling rankings see Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (up 13 places to seventh), Namibia’s Vernard Scholtz (up nine places to eighth), Sri Lanka’s Dumith Wellalage (up eight places to 19^th) and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (up 14 places to 27^th) make notable gains. Nabi has also moved up five places to third among all-rounders.

Read next: Where do Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf’s heroics rank among the highest ODI 10th-wicket partnerships?

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Rated – Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma alongside Test cricket’s other most successful captains

Test cricket is widely regarded as the ultimate examination of a player’s mental fortitude, technical skill, and tactical acumen.

For a captain, the burden is doubled, requiring not only individual excellence but also the ability to mastermind 20 wickets while managing complex game scenarios over five gruelling days.

Following Temba Bavuma’s spectacular, match-winning century (179) that led South Africa to a commanding innings victory over Australia in the second Test in Gqeberha, the conversation around outstanding leadership has been reignited.

With only a single loss and a solitary draw spoiling an otherwise flawless captaincy record, Bavuma’s tactical brilliance has propelled him into elite territory.

To understand just how rare this level of dominance is, we look at the top five highest win percentages in Test cricket history among captains who have skippered more than ten Tests.

1. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – 85.71%

Standing at the pinnacle of Test captaincy efficiency is South Africa’s current leader, Temba Bavuma. Since stepping into the role, Bavuma has injected an unyielding resilience into the Proteas, famously guiding them to an unforgettable ICC World Test Championship mace.

Following his masterclass in Gqeberha, his record stands at an astonishing 12 wins from 14 matches. His solitary defeat came recently against Australia in Durban, and his only draw occurred against the West Indies in 2024.

By winning nearly 86% of his matches as captain while averaging over 54 with the bat during his tenure, Bavuma is currently authoring one of the greatest captaincy chapters the sport has ever seen.

2. Steve Waugh (Australia) – 71.93%

For over two decades, Australian legend Steve Waugh held the gold standard for modern Test leadership. Leadership under Waugh was defined by a ruthless, aggressive brand of cricket known as “mental disintegration.”

Leading arguably the most talented squad in cricket history from 1999 to 2004, Waugh commanded Australia in 57 Test matches, securing 41 victories and losing just 9 times.

His extraordinary 71.93% win rate included a world-record streak of 16 consecutive Test match victories, setting a benchmark for consistency and mental toughness that defined an era.

Also read: Rashid Khan reminds the world just how good he is with another big move in ODI rankings

3. Pat Cummins (Australia) – 62.50%

The modern custodian of Australian cricket, Pat Cummins, slots into the third position on our all-time list. Assuming the captaincy under intense public scrutiny, the elite fast bowler has silenced critics by leading from the front with remarkable poise.

Cummins has marshalled the baggy green in 40 Test matches, capturing 25 wins along the way.

Known for his calm demeanour under high-pressure situations and astute bowling changes, Cummins boasts a stellar 62.50% win percentage, keeping Australia firmly entrenched at the absolute apex of the international red-ball game.

4. Don Bradman (Australia) – 62.50%

Slightly older than the other names on this list Sir Don Bradman’s incredible tactical efficiency—winning 15 out of his 24 Tests in charge (62.50%) is a phenomenal achievement.

Perhaps making Bradman’s job as skipper easier was the fact that he had the best batsman in the history of Test cricket as part of his armoury. With a Test batting average of 99, Bradman wasn’t just an excellent skipper, he was a tactical batting weapon.

5. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 62.34%

Taking over the reins from Steve Waugh was no small task, but Ricky Ponting carried the torch with immense distinction. Ponting led one of the most clinical, star-studded line-ups the world has ever witnessed, featuring icons like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Across 77 Test matches in charge, “Punter” accumulated an incredible 48 wins. His relentless hunger for victory translated into a 62.34% win rate.

Ponting’s captaincy was punctuated by an uncompromising demand for excellence, ensuring Australia maintained its iron grip on world cricket throughout the mid-to-late 2000s.

6. Virat Kohli (India) – 59.70%

The modern heavyweight volume record belongs to India’s Virat Kohli. Kohli completely transformed India’s Test identity, instilling a fierce, aggressive overseas bowling culture.

Across 67 Tests as captain, Kohli secured 40 victories, yielding a phenomenal 59.70% win percentage that makes him India’s most successful Test captain of all time. Kohli took a good team and transformed them into a relentless winning machine.

Read next: The greatest glovemen – a century, half-ton and seven or more dismissals in the same Test

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Where do the heroics of Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf rank among the highest 10th-wicket partnerships in ODI cricket?

Cricket fans in Lahore witnessed a modern miracle in the fourth ODI of the tri-series as Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf combined for a staggering, unbeaten 89-run tenth-wicket partnership to guide Pakistan to an improbable victory over England.

Coming together with the game seemingly lost, the duo deflated the English bowlers and rewrote the record books. While their heroic match-winning stand will go down in folklore, it also shines a spotlight on the rarest of cricket phenomena: the final-wicket masterclass.

Here is a look at where Pakistan’s heroics rank among the seven highest tenth-wicket partnerships in One Day International history.

1. Viv Richards and Michael Holding (106 runs)

The gold standard for final-wicket partnerships was set over four decades ago in Manchester. On 31 May 1984, the West Indies were in deep trouble against England until the legendary Viv Richards decided to take total control.

Partnered by fast bowler Michael Holding, Richards smashed a breath-taking 189 not out. Holding played his part perfectly, contributing 12 runs to an unbeaten 106-run stand that completely demoralised the hosts.

2. Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal (103 runs)

Before the latest drama, Pakistan already held a prestigious place near the top of this list. On 9 November 2009 in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan collapsed to 101 for 9 while chasing New Zealand‘s total.

Young fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spin maestro Saeed Ajmal refused to surrender, putting on a spectacular 103-run partnership. Though Pakistan narrowly lost the match by seven runs, this defiance remains the only other century-stand for the tenth wicket.

Also read: Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

3. Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach (99 runs)

The West Indies struck gold on 2 Dec 2011 in Visakhapatnam against India. The Caribbean side were collapsing rapidly until tailenders Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach united.

Rampaul launched an incredible counter-attack, smashing 86 not out from just 66 balls. Roach anchored the other end to help compile an unbeaten 99-run partnership, falling just one run short of a historic century-stand.

4. Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf (89 runs)

The newest entry on this list belongs to Pakistan’s heroes in Lahore. Facing England, Pakistan’s batting line-up appeared dead and buried until Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf staged their magnificent intervention.

Combining aggressive hitting with clever strike rotation, their unbeaten 89-run stand single-handedly turned what appeared to be a certain defeat into a famous, jaw-dropping ODI cricket victory.

5. Aayan Afzal Khan and Hazrat Bilal (83 runs)

The associate cricket world provided its own slice of history on 18 November 2022 in Kirtipur. Playing against Nepal, the United Arab Emirates looked completely out of options.

Teenager Aayan Afzal Khan showed maturity far beyond his years, anchoring the innings alongside number eleven Hazrat Bilal.

6. Luke Ronchi and Mitchell McClenaghan (76 runs)

New Zealand found themselves in a dire situation against South Africa in Mount Maunganui on 24 October 2014. Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi decided to launch a counter-offensive from number seven.

When he was joined by fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan for the final wicket, the pair combined for a rapid 76 runs. Ronchi blasted 79 to push the Black Caps to a respectable score.

7. Yasir Shah and Mohammad Amir (76 runs)

Pakistan’s historic knack for lower-order resistance was again evident on 30 August 2016 in Nottingham. Facing a rampant England team, Pakistan’s top order crumbled.

Standing tall at the end, spinner Yasir Shah and paceman Mohammad Amir fought back with an entertaining 76-run partnership. It was Amir’s second appearance in the record books, proving his unique capability as a dangerous final-wicket batsman.

Read next: Where does Australia’s ageing Test XI rank among the oldest in history?

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The greatest glovemen – a century, half-ton and seven or more dismissals in the same Test

Wicketkeeping in Test cricket is one of the most physically demanding jobs in sports. A keeper must remain crouched for hundreds of overs, maintain absolute concentration for days, and then turn around to do his bit for the batting line-up.

Among the rarest feats in cricket history is for a gloveman to dominate with the bat by scoring a half-century and a century in the same match, while simultaneously delivering a masterclass behind the stumps.

Following a recent historic performance by Bangladesh’s Litton Das against Afghanistan, we take a look at a short list of wicketkeepers who have achieved the highest number of dismissals in a single Test match while also scoring a fifty and a hundred.

1. Litton Das (Bangladesh) – nine dismissals vs Afghanistan (2026)

Bangladesh’s Litton Das rewrote the record books during the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Entering the match under immense pressure, Litton delivered a performance for the ages.

He anchored the Bangladesh batting by scoring a resilient 53 in the first innings and translating his form into a spectacular 102 in the second.

However, it was his legendary athleticism with the gloves that stole the show. Litton executed nine dismissals across the match, capped off by an incredible diving, one-handed catch just before lunch on the final day.

With his ninth dismissal, Litton officially broke Denis Lindsay’s 60-year-old world record, claiming the undisputed crown for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper scoring a fifty and a century in a single Test match.

2. Denis Lindsay (South Africa) – eight dismissals vs Australia (1966)

For nearly sixty years, South African cricketing legend Denis Lindsay held the benchmark for this specific all-round feat. During the historic 1966 Test against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Lindsay single-handedly turned the tide for South Africa.

He compiled an astonishing 182 runs in one innings alongside a crucial half-century, while effortlessly executing eight dismissals behind the stumps.

Lindsay’s masterclass guided South Africa to a historic victory and established a standard for wicketkeeping excellence that stood uncontested for decades.

Also read: Five uncapped domestic stars set to spark bidding wars at IPL mega auction

3. Alex Carey (Australia) – seven dismissals vs England (2025)

Alex Carey cemented his reputation as one of the premier modern wicketkeeper-batters during a high-stakes encounter against England in 2025. Carey displayed immaculate glovework throughout the match, snaring seven dismissals to choke out the English batting order.

Combined with his sharp reflexes behind the stumps, Carey pulled off the rare batting double, crossing fifty in one innings and registering a magnificent century in the other.

His clinical performance proved vital in anchoring Australia’s strategy and showcased the massive impact a modern keeper can have across all facets of a five-day match.

Read next: T20 ghosts – five IPL cult heroes who have never played international cricket

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Rashid Khan reminds the world just how good he is with another big move in ODI rankings

Afghanistan players Sediqullah Atal and Rashid Khan have made major gains in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings after helping their team secure an impressive 158-run victory over Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates Tri-Series in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Left-handed opener Sediqullah struck 102 as Afghanistan posted a total of 294 after electing to bat.

His Player of the Match effort helped him gain 12 slots and reach 20^th position even as Rashid’s haul of four for 17 that included the prize scalp of Sikandar Raza, has helped him consolidate his position at the top of the bowling rankings, taking him a good 80 rating points ahead of Abrar Ahmed.

UAE tri-series sees gains for Brad Evans and Tanzid Hasan

Bangladesh batter Tanzid Hasan’s knock of 46 in the opening match of the UAE Tri-Series which they lost to Zimbabwe, sees him move up three places to 21^st while fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is up nine places to a career-best 12^th place after a haul of three for 44 in the loss.

There is a jostling of places on the table there with the slots from 11 to 20 covered by just 28 points.

Others to gain after matches of this tri-series include Afghanistan’s left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi (up 12 places to 46^th) after grabbing two for 15 against Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans, who took seven wickets in two matches, progressing 19 places to joint-65^th.

Also read: India’s seven best batters against the Windies over the years

Salman Ali Agha nears ODI top 10

The latest rankings update, that also takes into account performances in the Pakistan Tri-Series, England opener Tom Banton’s knock of 57 off 53 deliveries has helped him move up 16 places to 66^th position.

Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha’s score of 107 in a 37-run win over Sri Lanka has helped him inch up one place to 12^th position while Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake (up 34 places to 75^th) is another one to move up the batting table.

Pakistan fast bowlers Haris Rauf (up two places to 20^th and Naseem Shah (up four places to 45^th) and upcoming Afghanistan spinner A.M. Ghazanfar (up seven places to 31^st) have moved up the ODI bowling rankings.

Others to make notable gains include the Nepal pair of Rohit Paudel (up six places to 82^nd) and Dipendra Airee (up seven places to 87^th) in the batting rankings, following their performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament.

Shai Hope into top 10 of T20I rankings

In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, West Indies captain Shai Hope is in the top 10, moving up from 11^th to ninth after a match-winning 102 not out in the fourth match of the series against India which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Sherfane Rutherford’s 49 not out off 26 balls has lifted him six places to 18^th while spinner Gudakesh Motie is up 10 places to 26^th among bowlers.

Read next: Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

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Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

Australia batter Matt Renshaw has surged from 196th to joint-49th in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after a match-winning performance against South Africa in the opener of the three-match ICC World Test Championship Series in Durban.

Renshaw ended a sequence of seven single-figure Test scores in emphatic fashion, scoring 190 and 82 to help Australia secure a commanding 214-run victory at Kingsmead.

His performances have propelled him into the top 50, where he shares 49th place with South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, who slipped 12 places after scores of zero and two in the match.

Aiden Markram has also made significant progress, moving up four places from 14th to return to the top 10 of the batting charts for the first time since October 2019.

Markram resisted Australia’s bowling attack for six hours in the second innings, scoring 75 to provide one of the few bright spots for the hosts.

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was instrumental in sealing victory for his side, taking a career-best six for 49 in South Africa’s second innings. His performance has lifted him two places to seventh in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.

Despite taking three wickets in the match, Mitchell Starc has seen his lead at the top of the bowling rankings cut to just four rating points over New Zealand’s Matt Henry.

South Africa’s Anrich Nortje has returned to the Test Bowling rankings after a three-year absence from the format, entering the bowling rankings in 34th place after taking four wickets in the match.

Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah nears the top 10

In Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan and Bangladesh played out a high-scoring draw, with Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah leading the way with the bat.

His unbeaten 105 and 51 in the match have lifted him 13 slots to 13th in the Test Batting Rankings, with 693 rating points – the highest tally ever recorded by an Afghanistan player.

Teammate Sediqullah Atal also made an impression, becoming just the second player to score his maiden first-class century in the fourth innings of a Test. He now sits 91st in the batting rankings, one place ahead of Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan, who scored 83 and 31.

Hasan Mahmud has been rewarded for his hat-trick in the same match for Bangladesh, moving up seven places to 38th in the bowlers’ list. Fellow Bangladesh bowler Ebadot Hossain climbed 11 tiles to 67th after taking seven wickets in the match.

Also read: India’s seven very best batters against the Windies over the years

Associate nations in action during CWC League 2

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament in Texas produced several notable movements in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings following a busy week of action.

Namibia’s Michael van Lingen has climbed 26 places and returned to the top 100 in the batting rankings after successive innings of 124 against the USA and 71 against the UAE.

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel has also broken into the top 100, moving up 13 slots to joint-88th after scoring 101 against Canada and 61 against Oman. His teammate, Gulshan Jha, advanced to 93rd following his contribution of 48 in Nepal’s 24-run victory over Canada.

USA batter Shehan Jayasuriya has made a significant jump after recording three consecutive half-centuries. Scores of 83 and 76 against the UAE and Namibia have lifted him from 149th to 100th in the batting charts.

Among the bowlers, USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar has returned to the top 30, moving to 27th after taking three wickets for 23 in his side’s five-wicket victory over the UAE at Grand Prairie.

Namibia’s JJ Smit has advanced 11 rungs to 79th after taking four for 29 against the UAE, helping bowl them out for 134.

Canada’s Harsh Thaker, who took four for 37 against Oman, and the USA’s Shubham Ranjane, who took four for 39 against the UAE, have also been rewarded for their performances with the ball.

Shreyas Iyer makes it four Indians in the T20I top 10

In India, the hosts continue to dominate the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, with Shreyas Iyer progressing three places to fourth and joining Ishan Kishan (first) and Abhishek Sharma (second) among the top four batters.

West Indies captain Shai Hope has also improved, scoring an unbeaten century in the second T20I in Ranchi to help his side chase down 250 with nine balls to spare.

Sherfane Rutherford contributed 84 from 37 deliveries in the same game and has moved up to a career-best 24th in the batting rankings.

Meanwhile, Roston Chase has been rewarded for his all-round performances in that high-scoring series against India. His six wickets have lifted him to 23rd in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings and a career-best third in the all-rounders’ list.

Maaz Sadaqat makes big moves

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan batter Maaz Sadaqat has made one of the biggest gains of the week after helping his side secure a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka.

Scores of 50 and 96 in Pakistan’s two wins have propelled him 187 places from outside the top 200 to 45th in the Batting Rankings.

Maaz’s teammate, Salman Mirza has advanced nine places to 14th in the Bowling Rankings after taking two wickets for 28 runs to derail Sri Lanka’s chase in the second match.

Read next: Five Test batters plagued by the DRS ‘paranoia index’

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Gray hairs and Baggy Greens: how Australia’s Test team ranks amongst the oldest ever

When Pat Cummins won the toss for the first Test against South Africa in Durban, he didn’t just name a cricket team; he selected a historic artifact. With Cameron Green out injured, for the first time in Australia’s 149-year men’s Test history, not a single player in the playing XI was in his 20s. Anchored by the 38-year-old Nathan Lyon and balanced by a ‘youthful’ 30-year-old Matt Renshaw, the team’s average age was a staggering 34.59 years old.

While critics might label them ‘Dad’s Army,’ this ultra-experienced unit proved their class by hunting down a thrilling opening Test victory. Statistically, they have entered rarefied air: this line-up is officially the seventh oldest playing XI in the history of Test cricket, and the single oldest fielded by any nation in nearly a century.

But who beats them? To find the ultimate collection of cricketing relics, we must travel back to an era of woollen trousers, uncovered pitches, and remarkable longevity. Here are the five oldest playing XIs ever to take the field in Test cricket history.

1. England vs. West Indies (Kingston, 1930) – average age: 37.5 years

The undisputed kings of the veteran cricket scene, England’s tour of the Caribbean in 1930 rewrote the record books. In the fourth and final Test at Sabina Park, a legendary “Timeless Test”, captain Freddie Calthorpe led a side that averaged an astonishing 37.5 years of age. The squad was heavily weighted down by the immortal Wilfred Rhodes, who was playing at 52 years old, alongside the 39-year-old Andy Sandham (who famously celebrated by scoring 325). Even with 20-year-old Bill Voce in the side to pull the numbers down, this line-up remains unmatched as the oldest collective ever assembled on a Test field.

2. England vs. West Indies (Georgetown, 1930) – average age: 36.6 years

The same 1930 tour also claimed the silver medal. For the third Test in Guyana, England’s selectors leaned so heavily into county cricket experience that the final eleven averaged 36.6 years of age. Without modern sports science, ice baths, or specialized fitness trainers, this generation relied on sheer grit, technique, and perhaps a spot of afternoon tea to power through gruelling five-day matches in the tropical heat.

Also read: T20 ghosts – five IPL cult heroes who have never played international cricket

3. England vs. West Indies (Port of Spain, 1930) – average age: 36.3 years

Sensing a pattern yet? The 1930 England tour of the West Indies holds the top four spots for the oldest teams ever fielded. For the second Test in Trinidad, the visitors rolled out an XI with an average age of 36.3 years. West Indies cricket fans were treated to a traveling museum of English cricket royalty, proving that class truly is permanent, even if the knees are a little stiff.

4. England vs. West Indies (Bridgetown, 1930) – average age: 35.8 years

The series opener in Barbados set the tone for the entire tour. England took the field with an average age of 35.8 years. It remains highly unlikely that any modern international cricket team will ever sweep the board quite like this vintage English squad, as modern scheduling and intense athletic demands usually force players into retirement long before their late 30s.

5. Australia vs. England (Melbourne, 1928) – average age: 34.8 years

Before the current side in South Africa set social media alight, the standard for Australian veteran teams belonged to the legendary 1928/29 Ashes series. In the second Test at the MCG, an Australian team featuring icons like Jack Ryder and a 46-year-old ironman bowler named Bert Ironmonger averaged 34.8 years of age.

While the current Australian side fell just short of the top five, their achievement in Durban marks a fascinating shift in how modern players manage their careers. With elite conditioning and global T20 leagues extending athletic lifespans, Cummins’ men are showing that quite possibly 30 is the new 20 in the world of Test cricket.

Read next: The four problems South Africa must resolve against Australia

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The four problems South Africa must resolve against Australia

South Africa lost a Test match and Temba Bavuma’s undefeated record as Test skipper came to an end in Durban on Tuesday. It had to happen at some point and to be fair, it was hardly surprising that it happened when it did.

Why? When the Proteas squared up against the top ranked side in the world, they did so not having played a Test for almost a year. To expect Bavuma and his charges to be on top of their game immediately was probably asking too much.

The good news is that the series against Australia involves three-matches. Following the defeat in Durban the action moves to Gqeberha and then Cape Town. There is plenty of opportunity for South Africa to turn things around and still win the series.

Undoubtedly, they need to make some tweaks and changes if this is to happen; Australia will take lots of confidence from the Durban win.

But the Proteas can only worry about the things that they can control – so what do they need to do ahead of the trip to St Georges Park to ensure that they are better equipped to win in the second game of the series.

Get their heads right

Test cricket is very different from T20I and ODI cricket, but all too often, when a team hasn’t played Tests for a while, the lines between the different formats become blurred. In white ball cricket getting bat on ball is critical. If you are not hitting the ball, you are not scoring runs, and if you are not scoring runs you are putting your team under pressure. That is how it works if T20Is where any dot-ball is a gift to the bowling side. That’s simply not the case in Test cricket which is an attritional game. It’s played over five days and occupying the crease and wearing your opponent’s down is a huge element of the game.

In Kingsmead far too many Proteas batsmen were focussed on being aggressive and trying to dominate through run scoring alone. The Ryan Rickelton, who fell for scores of 0 and 2 (driving at a wide one in the first innings and attempting to hook in the second) was a whole lot less circumspect than the Rickelton who bagged a double ton against Pakistan at the start of 2025. Rickelton could have left both the deliveries that removed him, but he chose to play them and he paid the price. Those were deliveries that would have been played early in a T20I, and they are deliveries that could be played once set, in a Test. They are not shots to be played when you are behind in the game and looking to fight your way out of trouble.

And it wasn’t just Rickelton who was injudicious. Reflecting on the situation after the game, skipper Temba Bavuma told the media: “You can never really prepare for Test cricket without playing Test cricket. But a lot of the mistakes we made out there were mental, so I think that’s where we really let ourselves down.”

Also read: T20 ghosts – five IPL cult heroes who have never played international cricket

Balancing the bowling

The Proteas opted to play two spinners in Durban with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj both getting the nod. Between them the duo managed four wickets in the game and never genuinely looked threatening. They are both good spinners and one of them will play in Gqeberha, but surely just one of them. Kagiso Rabada was missing for the Durban Test, and it looks like he could be fit in time for the second game, but don’t for a minute think that it was Rabada’s absence that hamstrung South Africa. KG was replaced by Anrich Nortje who bowled well and ended with four wickets and, more importantly, with his reputation enhanced. He was quick and menacing and he pummelled the Baggy Green batters.

If Rabada cannot play, then the Proteas need to back Duan Jansen or Corbin Bosch. Wiaan Mulder is excellent and will surely play again, but he is an allrounder rather than an out and out bowling menace, and the Proteas need to bring unrelenting menace to the party in the same way that Australia did with Josh Hazelwood, Mitchell Starc and pat Cummins.

Spend time studying Matt Renshaw

Ahead of the first Test there would have been very few people backing Matt Renshaw to be the man to almost single-handedly demolish the World Test Champions. Across the four innings of the entire Test, there were only three individual scores of more than 50. Two of those scores belonged to Renshaw who hit 190 and 82. If the Proteas can work out how to dismiss him, they will do their cause the world of good.

He has weaknesses, everyone does. Expect the Protea analysts to spend a lot of time in the build up to the next game looking at Renshaw’s technique with a magnifying glass. No other Australian batsman passed 50 in the Test – if the Proteas can find a way to remove Renshaw, they will immediately be in a better place.

Is it time for Marques Ackerman?

Ackerman was widely expected to make his Test debut in Durban, but it didn’t happen. He has waited patiently for a chance to play Test cricket with some excellent knocks playing for South Africa A. Ackerman has shown an ability to concentrate for long periods and to play big innings. He won’t let anyone down. But if he is drafted into the side, whose place does he take? The selectors probably thought long and hard between Ackerman and David Bedingham ahead of the first Test. Like Ackerman, Bedingham has been in excellent domestic form recently. He got the nod, probably because he was already an experienced Test player. Compared with the rest of the batting unit (Aiden Markram excepted), Bedingham did well. He posted scores of 49 and 46, which is a good return, but in some ways a terrible one… Having made starts in both innings he really should have gone on to turn his 40’s into centuries.

That said, it will be hard to leave Bedingham out of the next Test. So, who goes? Rickelton? Tristan Stubbs? If Rickelton is dropped, then who opens the batting? And is it fair to drop Stubbs who scored a century for South Africa on the tour to India (the last series played before Australia).

What is a non-negotiable is that the batters need to pitch up in Port Elizabeth with the type of steel and determination that Aiden Markram brought to Durban. It was too easy for Australia to take South African wickets in the series opener and that must change before play begins at St Georges Park.

Read next: Which batters have been the most successful against India?

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What to expect from Shai Hope and company against India

Matches played between the West Indies and India serve as a celebration of pure, unadulterated entertainment in T20I cricket.

The West Indies team has always carried a big reputation in this specific format, having won multiple T20 World Cup titles on the backs of their destructive batting line-ups.

When they face India, there is a distinct desire to assert psychological dominance over the world’s most well-funded cricket system. West Indian batters generally approach these matches with an all-out attack mentality, looking to exploit the boundaries from the very first ball.

This intense mindset creates fascinating statistical profiles. Several of their top stars boast vastly superior numbers against India compared to their career matches against other nations.

The Indian bowling attack, renowned for its tactical discipline and variations, provides the ultimate litmus test for the Caribbean power hitters.

Facing world class spinners and elite death bowlers requires a blend of sheer muscle and situational awareness.

As the current bilateral series unfolds, analysing the records of the top seven West Indian run scorers reveals the players who have mastered the art of taking down the Indian bowling machine over the last decade.

1. Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran sits proudly at the top of the mountain as the premier run scorer for the West Indies against India. The dynamic left-hander has built an exceptional record, aggregating nearly six hundred runs across twenty innings.

His performances against India have consistently been a step above his standard career figures, with his average against them being noticeably higher than his global T20I average.

Pooran’s finest hour against India came during the 2022 series, where he amassed a remarkable one hundred and eighty-four runs across three matches, hitting three consecutive half-centuries.

His ability to tear into both express pace and elite spin makes him an indispensable asset.

Whenever Pooran gets going, he completely dictates the tempo of the game, leaving the opposition searching for answers. Sadly, for now he is retired from international cricket, focussing his attentions on the franchise leagues.

2. Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer has been a consistent thorn in the side of the Indian team, advancing his tally dramatically over the course of the ongoing matches.

Piling up four hundred and seventy runs in twenty-two innings, the explosive left-hander continues to play with his natural aggressive intent. His strike rate of over one hundred and thirty-seven shows how quickly he can take a game away from the opposition.

His numbers against India closely mirror his general career statistics, showing that he maintains his natural explosive style against world-class opposition.

His ability to clear the boundary at will during the middle and death overs makes him a crucial component of the team’s batting blueprint.

Also read: Five uncapped domestic stars set to spark bidding wars at IPL mega auction

3. Rovman Powell

The powerful middle-order powerhouse Rovman Powell has regularly delivered devastating performances against the Indian bowling group. Advancing his tally to four hundred and thirty-seven runs, Powell scores at an impressive strike rate of over 141.

His highest score against them remains a brutal 68*, an innings where he dismantled the spin department.

Powell’s average and strike rate against India are both superior to his long-term career averages, proving that he thrives under the unique pressure of playing against the subcontinental heavyweights.

His immense physical power allows him to clear even the largest boundaries, turning him into a nightmare for death bowlers.

4. Brandon King

Brandon King established himself as a reliable and classy presence at the top of the order for the West Indies.

He accumulated over three hundred runs across fifteen innings against India. King’s crowning achievement against this opponent arrived during the deciding match of the 2023 T20I series in Lauderhill.

In that crucial game, he smashed a magnificent, unbeaten 85 off just 55 deliveries, a match-winning knock that successfully guided the West Indies to a historic series victory.

His numbers against India are very comparable to his overall international career metrics, confirming his status as a dependable big-match player who can anchor an innings while scoring at a healthy clip.

5. Kieron Pollard

The legendary former captain Kieron Pollard has a storied history against India, a country where he has also enjoyed immense success in domestic franchise cricket.

In international fixtures, Pollard has scored over three hundred runs at an excellent average of over thirty-two and a blazing strike rate of 142.

His finest performance was a vintage, unbeaten 68 that kept his side competitive against a rampant Indian batting unit. Pollard’s average against India is notably higher than his standard career T20I average.

His immense experience playing in Indian conditions allowed him to read the bowlers perfectly, often saving his best, most destructive performances for these high-profile clashes.

6. Evin Lewis

Evin Lewis possesses a truly terrifying record against India, despite having played only seven innings. In those few matches, he has blasted over three hundred runs at an unbelievable average of over 53 and an astonishing strike rate of over 174.

Lewis has scored two phenomenal T20I centuries against India, making him the only player to achieve this unique feat. His most jaw-dropping performance was an unbeaten 125 off just 62 balls at Kingston in 2017, an innings that included a record-breaking twelve sixes.

His statistics against India are vastly superior to his already excellent career numbers, highlighting a supreme level of comfort and dominance over their bowling attack.

7. Shai Hope

Bursting into the top seven is the sensational Shai Hope, whose recent multi-format transformation has completely rewritten modern cricket records. Hope has officially bypassed the legendary Lendl Simmons by accumulating 310 runs against this opposition.

His defining masterclass came during the ongoing series at Ranchi, where he blasted a breath-taking, unbeaten 102 runs off just 45 deliveries.

This spectacular knock featured nine massive sixes and anchored a historic, record-breaking chase of 250.

His strike rate against India sits much higher than his traditional career template, proving that his new, ultra-aggressive style is perfectly suited for dismantling the Indian bowling attack.

Read next: Seven iconic individual displays from the great Australia-South Africa Test rivalry

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7 iconic individual displays from the great Australia-South Africa Test rivalry

As Australia and the Proteas prepare to clash this Friday, for the first time since their epic World Test Championship final at Lord’s, cricket fans are bracing for another chapter in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.

With top-ranked Australia facing off against the reigning Test Champion Proteas, the weight of history hangs heavy over this fixture.

Over the decades, this specific matchup has brought out the best in world-class players, producing moments of sheer brilliance, grit, and hostility.

Before the first ball is bowled on Friday, let’s look back at seven of the most outstanding individual performances that have defined this modern cricketing battleground.

1. Shane Warne – 12 wickets for 128 runs (Melbourne, 1992)

Before he became a global phenomenon, a young Shane Warne announced his genius to the world against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In just his fifth Test match, the leg-spinner bamboozled the Proteas batting lineup on a turning Boxing Day pitch.

After taking three wickets in the first innings, Warne tore through the visitors in the second innings with a masterful 7 for 52.

His drift and venomous turn left the South African batsmen clueless, securing a dramatic 139-run victory for Australia and signalling the arrival of a bowling icon.

2. Fanie de Villiers – 6 wickets for 43 runs and 10-wicket match (Sydney, 1994)

Defending a meagre target of 117 in the fourth innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground, South Africa’s chances were famously rated at 100-to-1. Enter “Vinnige Fanie”.

In only his second Test match, De Villiers delivered an extraordinary exhibition of medium-fast swing and cut. He claimed 4 for 80 in the first innings, but it was his blistering 6 for 43 in the second innings that ripped the heart out of the Australian batting order.

Searing accurate spells ended with a famous return catch off Glenn McGrath, securing an impossible five-run victory that remains etched in folklore.

3. AB de Villiers – 106 not out (Perth, 2008)

Chasing 414 runs in the fourth innings at the WACA is widely considered an impossible task, but AB de Villiers made it look like a casual Sunday afternoon.

In one of South Africa’s greatest overseas victories, De Villiers anchored a historic run chase with a flawless, unbeaten century.

Facing a world-class Australian attack on a fast, bouncy pitch, his masterclass in composure and shot selection guided the Proteas to the second-highest successful run chase in Test history, breaking Australia’s psychological stronghold.

Also read: How the 2027 Cricket World Cup draw played out and what it means for each country

4. Dale Steyn – 10 wickets for 154 runs and 76 runs (Melbourne, 2008)

South Africa’s historic 2008 series win in Australia was sealed at the MCG, driven by a virtuoso all-round performance from Dale Steyn. After taking 5 for 87 in the first innings, Steyn walked out to bat with the Proteas reeling at 184 for 7.

He played a gritty, career-defining knock of 76, combining with JP Duminy for an essential partnership that shifted momentum.

He then returned with the ball to claim 5 for 67, completely dismantling the hosts and handing South Africa their first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil.

5. Vernon Philander – 5 wickets for 15 runs (Cape Town, 2011)

In a Test match that defied all logic, Vernon Philander produced what is quite possibly one of the most devastating spells of seam bowling ever witnessed.

Australia had taken a commanding first-innings lead and looked set to dominate, but Philander turned the game on its head in the second innings.

Generating unplayable movement off the pitch at Newlands, he dismantled the Australian batting order in a matter of overs, bowling them out for a humiliating 47 runs. His 5 for 15 in what his debut match was, set up a famous Proteas win.

6. Faf du Plessis – 110 not out (Adelaide, 2012)

Very few Test debuts carry the immense pressure that Faf du Plessis faced during the final day in Adelaide. Tasked with batting out nearly four sessions to save the match against a relentless Australian bowling attack, Du Plessis displayed superhuman resilience.

He batted for over seven and a half hours, facing 376 balls to finish unbeaten on 110. It was a masterclass in defensive technique and mental fortitude that secured an improbable draw and laid the foundation for a historic series win.

7. Mitchell Johnson – 12 wickets for 127 runs (Centurion, 2014)

At the peak of his powers, Mitchell Johnson was the most terrifying fast bowler on the planet, and South Africa felt the full force of his venom at Centurion.

Bowling with ferocious pace and lethal accuracy, Johnson picked up 7 for 68 in the first innings and backed it up with a further 5 for 59 in the second.

His hostile short-pitched bowling physically bruised the Proteas batsmen and rattled the host nation, resulting in a crushing 280-run victory for Australia.

Read next: 6 huge questions South Africa need to answer during Test series against Aussies

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How the 2027 Cricket World Cup draw played out and what it means for each country

The countdown to the biggest cricket event on African soil in 24 years has officially begun.

The International Cricket Council and Cricket South Africa unveiled the official draw and schedule for the 2027 Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup at a star-studded event in Cape Town.

Running from 2 October to 21 November 2027, the expanded 14-team mega-tournament will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia across 12 spectacular venues.

With iconic rivalries locked in, a revamped competitive format, and massive talking points already emerging, here is everything you need to know about the blockbuster draw.

The ‘group of death’ is real

Cricket purists and casual fans alike are salivating over Group A, which has instantly been dubbed the tournament’s group of death.

The draw has crammed India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and co-hosts Zimbabwe into the same pool, alongside one qualifier.

This heavy-metal group guarantees massive, high-stakes television ratings and ensures that at least one global powerhouse will face an anxious battle just to make it out of the opening stage.

Read next: Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

England can breathe a huge sigh of relief

If Group A is a gauntlet, England will be privately celebrating their placement in Group B. The English side avoided reigning champions Australia and world number one ranked India for the opening round.

Instead, England finds themselves grouped with co-hosts South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and a qualifier.

While Group B is far from easy; especially with a dangerous Proteas side playing on home soil, it offers a significantly smoother path to the next round compared to the Group A minefield.

The technicalities: a brand new four-stage format

The ICC has completely revamped the tournament structure, moving away from the single-round-robin format used in 2023. Here is how the new Super Series and Super 7 pipeline work.

• The preliminary super series: Before the main event, the three lower-ranked qualifiers will play a three-team shootout in Windhoek, Namibia, starting October 2 to claim the final spot in the main draw.
• The group stage: The 12 remaining teams are split into two groups of six.
• The super 7 phase: The top three teams from Group A and Group B automatically advance. They are joined by the single best fourth-placed finisher across both groups to create a seven-team second round.
• The knockouts: The top four sides from the Super 7 stage progress to the semi-finals.

Mouth-watering mega-matchups

The fixture list has wasted absolutely no time delivering blockbuster action.

The main group stage opens with what should be a classic on 7 October 2027, featuring a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final as India faces Australia in Cape Town.

If that isn’t enough to satisfy fans, the ultimate cricket rivalry takes centre stage just three days later, when India and Pakistan square off in Johannesburg on 10 October.

Iconic African venues take centre stage

The tournament will utilize 12 world-class venues: eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe, and one in Namibia.

The historic Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town and Centurion will play host to the high-pressure semi-finals on 17 and 18 November.

Ultimately, the global champions will be crowned at the famous Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, which has secured the rights to host the grand final on 21 November 2027.

It was also the host of the 2003 final, the last time South Africa hosted the World Cup.

Read next: The 6 incredible records Shubman Gill broke on his way to 223 not out

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The return of Steve Smith – why SA fans should ditch the sandpaper references

When Steve Smith steps onto the pitch for Australia’s upcoming Test cricket series against the Proteas, it will mark his first time wearing the baggy green in South Africa since the catastrophic 2018 ‘Sandpaper-gate’ scandal in Newlands.

For South African cricket fans, the immediate temptation is obvious: look for the nearest hardware store, buy a sheet of yellow grit, and start chanting from the stands.

But as the old saying goes, just because something is “fair game” doesn’t mean it’s the right play.

Technically, Smith is fair game for the traditionally boisterous banter of South African cricket culture. He was the captain of an Australian team caught in one of the most cynical, premeditated cheating scandals in modern sports history.

He didn’t just break the rules; he fractured the self-righteous image of Australian cricket. The hostile environment of South African grounds is legendary, and a bit of psychological pressure from the crowd is part of the home-ground advantage.

Also read: Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

Steven Smith is returning to South Africa

However, there is a distinct line between clever gamesmanship and beating a dead horse. If South African fans spend this entire tour relentlessly heckling Smith about 2018, they aren’t being tough, they are being lazy.

The merit of sledging a player relies entirely on its ability to break their focus. The problem with using ‘Sandpaper-gate’ to rattle Steve Smith in 2026 is that it simply won’t work. Smith has already walked through the fire.

He served a one-year ban, lost the captaincy, and returned to face a fiercely hostile English crowd during the 2019 Ashes. He responded by scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.57.

He has been called every name in the book, wept in front of the world’s media, and spent the last eight years quietly rebuilding his reputation as a modern-day batting great.

He has undeniably done his time. Reminding him of 2018 won’t unnerve him; it will likely just motivate him to score more runs.

Furthermore, let’s ask ourselves how Australians would handle it if the shoe were on the other foot. If a South African player committed a similar infraction, served their time, and toured Australia years later, the Australian public and media would be unyielding.

The crowds at the MCG and SCG would be brutal, likely dragging out the taunts for a decade. Australian sporting culture is notoriously ruthless to visiting teams.

How heavily will Australia rely on Steven Smith against South Africa?

But South Africa fans shouldn’t aim to mimic the worst traits of Aussie crowds. Instead, they should show the cricket world what true sporting maturity looks like.

The ultimate disrespect you can show a legendary batsman like Steve Smith isn’t a chorus of boos or some hackneyed lines that he has heard a million times before – no, it’s indifference. Give him the cold shoulder when he walks out.

Save the deafening roars and aggressive energy to lift the Proteas’ bowlers. Let Kagiso Rabada’s pace and Marco Jansen’s bounce do the talking.

Steve Smith’s return shouldn’t be defined by a mistake he made nearly a decade ago. Let Australia sweat, let the cricket be fierce, but let South Africa’s fans rise above the sandpaper.

The best revenge is winning on the pitch, fair and square. Steve Smith is going to be expecting for the sandpaper comments, make him wait – that will be far more unsettling than handing him the stuff that he and his psychologist have undoubtedly prepared for.

Read next: 5 uncapped domestic stars set to spark bidding wars at IPL mega auction

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Stephen Fleming ‘probably the perfect personality to coach Test cricket’

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed England Test coach.

Fleming has replaced former England Test coach Brendon McCullum, who has been retained as ODI and T20I coach.

“I played against Fleming a lot back in the day. He was always a calm, thoughtful and composed leader. Honestly, probably the perfect personality to coach Test cricket,” former Australia batsman Damien Martyn told Criclines.

“It creates a really interesting balance now, doesn’t it? You’ve got Brendon McCullum managing the white-ball set-ups with all that high-octane energy and then you bring in Fleming as the calm voice for the Test side. It actually makes a lot of sense, especially given how well those two know each other from their playing days.”

Batsman Joe Root has returned to the England Test captaincy after all-rounder Ben Stokes retired from international cricket.

“With Joe returning to the captaincy, Fleming will bring a bit of focus back into the dressing room. The whole ‘Bazball’ media circus got pretty wild there for a while.

“It wasn’t entirely the players’ fault, the media just ran with it and while it was fantastic when they were chasing down crazy totals, there were times in Australia where England misread the situation.

“Root would have sat back during Stokes’ tenure and taken mental notes. Stokes and McCullum were all-out attack, but Test cricket over five days isn’t always played at 100 miles an hour.

“Sometimes you have to pull it back, calm things down, build pressure and just play traditional Test cricket. Fleming is the ideal guy to instill that discipline.”

Former captain Kevin Pietersen worked with England’s limited-overs squad recently. This mentorship role might extend to the Test squad.

“I’ve caught up with Kevin a few times since retiring and I really like him. Back when we played, he used to annoy the absolute hell out of us. Whether he was out in the field or batting, he was right in your face,” added Martyn.

“But as a cricketer, he was exceptionally clever and had supreme self-belief. He was one of the first guys I saw who could completely dictate terms. He knew when to step on the gas, when to pull it back and how to target specific bowlers.

“Passing that knowledge onto younger players is invaluable. It reminds me a bit of what Dean Jones used to do for Australian one-day cricket. Kevin knows the T20 and one-day game inside out and when he talks tactics, players listen. Honestly, if he enjoys the role, why wouldn’t you bring him on a tour to Australia as part of the set-up? He knows what it takes to win out here.”

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Golden oldies – 7 oldest cricketers to ever play a men’s ODI

Zimbabwe have named veterans Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer in their team to face Australia. It goes without saying that the duo, who made their respective ODI debuts in April 2004 and January 2009, are old. In fact, when Taylor was making his international debut for Zimbabwe, his current teammates Newman Nyamhuri and Brian Bennett hadn’t even been born.

It brings us to the question of who are the oldest players ever to appear in an ODI for a full member side? While neither Taylor nor Cremer make the list, they are not far off a place in the top team; which, curiously, is topped by a Zimbabwean. From spin wizards defying Father Time to legendary captains answering an emergency SOS call, let’s take a look at the seven oldest players in the history of ODI cricket from Full Member nations.

 

John Traicos (Zimbabwe) – 45 years, 312 days

The Match: versus India (25 March 1993)

Sitting comfortably atop this timeless mountain is the legendary off-spinner John Traicos. Born in Egypt, Traicos boasts one of the most resilient CVs in international cricket history. He actually made his Test debut for South Africa in 1970 before their apartheid-era isolation, only to re-emerge more than two decades later representing Zimbabwe on the global stage. When he walked onto the field against India in 1993 at nearly 46 years of age, he didn’t just participate; he was still an elite asset, regularly choking opposing batsmen with his metronomic accuracy and proving that class truly is permanent.

Norman Gifford (England) – 44 years, 361 days

The Match: versus Pakistan (26 March 1985)

Norman Gifford was a fierce, orthodox left-arm spinner who spent decades torturing batsmen in English county cricket. His international ODI career was remarkably limited, but it culminated in a historic golden hour just four days shy of his 45th birthday. Captaining England in the Rothmans Four-Nations Cup in Sharjah against Pakistan, Gifford bowed out of international cricket at an age when most of his peers were long settled into the commentary box. He remains England’s oldest-ever ODI representative. He is not just the second oldest player ever to play an ODI, he is also the oldest ever ODI debutant. It is worth noting that while Gifford was late to the ODI party, he had made his Test debut for England 21 years previously in 1964. He played 25 Tests for England to go with his two ODIs.

Somachandra de Silva (Sri Lanka) – 42 years, 261 days

The Match: versus West Indies (27 February 1985)

Long before Muttiah Muralitharan took over the world, Somachandra de Silva was the premier spin bowler for Sri Lanka during their transition into a Full Member Test nation. A master of leg-break bowling, de Silva made his ODI debut well into his thirties. By the time he faced a fearsome West Indies lineup in World Championship of Cricket clash in Melbourne in 1985, he was nearly 43. Despite his advanced age, his shrewd tactical brain and sharp variations made him a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s early golden era.

Bob Taylor (England) – 42 years, 223 days

The Match: versus New Zealand (25 February 1984)

Widely regarded as one of the most technically flawless wicketkeepers England has ever produced, Bob Taylor was the ultimate model of longevity. Standing behind the stumps requires immense physical fitness, flexibility, and razor-sharp reflexes; all traits that Taylor maintained deep into his forties. His final ODI appearance came against New Zealand in 1984, where his neat glovework and veteran presence anchored the English side, setting a physical benchmark for modern keepers everywhere.

Clive Rice (South Africa) – 42 years, 114 days

The Match: versus India (14 November 1991)

Clive Rice’s inclusion on this list is both historic and bittersweet. One of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Rice lost the prime of his career due to South Africa’s sporting isolation. When the nation was finally readmitted to international cricket in late 1991, Rice was justly named captain for their historic, emotional three-match ODI tour of India. At 42 years old, he finally got to display his fierce, competitive drive on the international stage, making his debut and his final appearances on the exact same tour, in what was more a gesture of respect from the selectors than anything else. After Norman Gifford, Rice is the second oldest player to ever make an ODI debut.

Fred Titmus (England) – 42 years, 105 days

The Match: versus New Zealand (9 March 1975)

Fred Titmus was an exceptionally tough competitor whose career survived a horrific boating accident in 1968 where he lost four toes. Defying medical odds, the off-spinner and handy lower-order batsman fought his way back to the highest level. His final ODI appearance came during England’s 1975 tour of New Zealand. Titmus’s inclusion in the early days of one-day international cricket proved that elite spin and tactical discipline could effortlessly cross generation gaps.

Bob Simpson (Australia) – 42 years, 68 days

The Match: versus West Indies (12 April 1978)

Bob Simpson’s appearance on this list is the result of one of the most famous rescue missions in cricket history. Ten years after originally retiring, Simpson was asked to return at age 41 to captain an Australian side completely depleted by the World Series Cricket schism. He answered the SOS call, leading a team of rookies against the brutal, world-conquering West Indies team. His final ODI in April 1978 capped off an extraordinary act of selflessness and enduring athletic greatness.

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Passing the baton – 7 stars waiting to inherit Rohit Sharma’s ODI mantle

As the cycles turn and thoughts gradually shift toward building a bulletproof squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, the future of India’s iconic opening slot has become a burning talking point.

Rohit Sharma has anchored the 50-over side with a legendary blend of early patience and devastating acceleration, but the relentless ticking of the clock means the transition blueprint must be drawn now.  Rohit hasn’t retired yet, but there are rumours aplenty.

Replacing a man who makes ODI double-centuries look routine is a monumental task that requires more than just raw boundary-hitting ability.

It demands an appreciation for building an innings over 50 overs, navigating the shifting fields of the middle phase, and adapting to global conditions. Fortunately for India, the domestic production line is overflowing with elite top-order options ready to step into the vacancy.

These seven exceptionally gifted batsmen have shown the temperament, technical elegance, and tactical acumen required to inherit the former captain’s mantle at the top of the order.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Already establishing himself as a formidable force across formats, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the most natural successor to the opening throne. The left-hander brings a rare combination of structural solidity and explosive stroke play that perfectly echoes Rohit’s tactical blueprint.

Jaiswal understands how to respect the moving new ball before completely dismantling bowling attacks once he finds his rhythm – he has shown this perfectly in Test cricket.

His superb standard of fitness and hunger for massive, match-winning hundreds could make him the ideal partner to line up alongside Shubman Gill for the next decade.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

If the selectors are looking for pure, unadulterated class and standard technical perfection to weather tough overseas spells, Ruturaj Gaikwad could be the answer.

Gaikwad’s spectacular List A record (he averages near the 60-run mark) proves that he possesses the exact pacing required for the 50-over game.

He does not rely on reckless hitting; instead, he manipulates gaps, glides through the middle overs with supreme spin-playing capabilities and possesses a gear shift that can devastate death bowling. He offers the calm, calculated presence that stabilizes a high-pressure chase.

3. Abhishek Sharma

For a post-Rohit era that demands immediate aggression right from the first over of the powerplay, Abhishek Sharma represents the ultimate high-risk, high-reward investment.

The dynamic left-hander bats with a fearless mentality, utilizing incredible hand-eye coordination to loft frontline seamers over the infield.

Previously ranked as the number one batsman in T20I he knows his way to the boundary in white ball cricket, but is he too much of a 20-over specialist?

Beyond his blistering strike rate, Abhishek provides a critical secondary tactical advantage as a highly capable left-arm orthodox spinner. Having an aggressive opener who can regularly deliver five to six tight overs makes him an enticing option for a balanced starting eleven.

4. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping generational talent to emerge in recent memory, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has torn down the door of international cricket at just 15 years old.

The teenage prodigy dominated at the Under-19 ODI World Cup in 2026 where he was named the Player of the Tournament,” capped off by a historic 175 off 80 balls in the final.

Having already broken senior records in the IPL and made his senior T20I debut, Sooryavanshi possesses a jaw-dropping Lara-esque high backlift and unprecedented core-driven hand speed.

His staggering List A strike rate of 176.80 and fearless boundary-hitting mean he is more than capable of stepping right into Rohit’s shoes as India’s ultimate Powerplay enforcer.

5. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has already offered international cricket a glimpse of his immense potential, showing a maturity that belies his young age. Sudharsan is a textbook accumulator who excels at turning over the strike, rotating singles, and ensuring the scoreboard never stagnates.

In an era dominated by hyper-aggressive T20 intents, his ability to anchor an innings and bat through the difficult middle overs provides the necessary insurance policy for the power-hitters around him. He is the glue that can hold a transitioning top order together.

6. Abhimanyu Easwaran

While many on this list rely on modern, T20-fueled fireworks, Abhimanyu Easwaran is a master of domestic consistency and traditional multi-day discipline.

The Bengal veteran has routinely stacked up massive runs in the Duleep Trophy and Vijay Hazare circuits, demonstrating an outstanding understanding of how to build long white-ball innings.

Easwaran offers the selectors a structurally solid, technically perfect traditional opening option.

He provides the steel required to absorb the moving new ball in challenging overseas conditions like England or South Africa, mimicking the defensive resilience that Rohit developed later in his career.

7. Ishan Kishan

Having already smashed a historic ODI double-century, Ishan Kishan provides the selectorial committee with an experienced yet youthful option who understands the demands of international cricket.

Kishan’s instinct is always to attack, making him a terrifying prospect for opposition captains during the initial powerplay restrictions. Crucially, his status as a frontline wicketkeeper-batsman adds massive tactical flexibility to India’s squad depth.

If India wishes to maintain a left-right opening combination that can effectively disrupt a bowler’s line and length, Kishan remains an incredibly attractive option.

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Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

Drop-in pitches are being installed at several grounds around South Africa, like Newlands, The Wanderers and St George’s Park.

With a heavy schedule of international cricket on its way and the small matter of a World Cup later next year, what are the implications of these drop-in pitches?

To understand the sudden anxiety rippling through South African cricket circles, one must first understand what a drop-in pitch is and how it functions.

 

Unlike a traditional cricket wicket, which is curated and grown directly on the stadium block over decades, a drop-in pitch is a modular playing surface grown completely off-site or adjacent to the ground in large steel trays.

When required, these heavy trays are transported by massive cranes and literally “dropped” into a pre-excavated slot in the middle of the stadium.

Also read: When will India let go of Gautam Gambhir?

The logistical advantages of this system are precisely why Cricket South Africa (CSA) has pushed for this major transformation. In multi-purpose modern stadiums, traditional turf pitches limit a venue’s utility.

A permanent cricket square cannot survive a heavy concert or a rugby match without sustaining severe, sometimes permanent damage.

Drop-in technology allows a stadium to host a massive entertainment event on a Friday night, roll out the stage, drop in a fresh cricket pitch on a Tuesday, and have a match-ready surface by the weekend.

As Evan Flint, the former head groundsman at both Newlands and Wanderers said, drop-ins allow groundsmen to cultivate multiple pitches simultaneously off-site and rotate them as needed to handle high-traffic domestic and international fixtures.

However, cricket is a unique sport where the surface dictates the entire strategic flow of the game, and this is where the downsides become glaring.

Historically, South African cricket grounds have boasted fiercely distinct personalities. If you visit The Wanderers in Johannesburg, you expect steep, hostile bounce.

If you head down to Newlands in Cape Town, you brace for a surface that assists lateral movement and eventually takes turn. These unique characteristics are a product of local soil composition, regional weather patterns, and years of natural weathering.

Drop-in pitches threaten to homogenise the sport. Because they are grown in artificial trays under highly controlled conditions, they frequently lack the deep-rooted sub-soil character of traditional squares for ODI cricket.

The result is often a surface that plays incredibly flat, offering plenty of runs for batsmen but agonizingly little assistance for bowlers.

We saw a catastrophic example of this during the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where poorly settled drop-in pitches were heavily criticised for highly unpredictable and substandard behaviour for T20 cricket.

This brings us to the ultimate question: will this shift be a help or a hindrance? Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has made his stance transparently clear, expressing deep disquiet.

Speaking to IOL Sport, Conrad warned that installing these drop-in pitches across major venues could completely “nullify” the Proteas’ home advantage ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Conrad’s concerns are entirely valid. Winning a World Cup on home soil requires exploiting the unique intricacies of your own backyard; intricacies that local players understand intimately and which visiting teams fear.

If South Africa rolls out flat, uniform drop-in wickets that mimic neutral venues like Dubai or Melbourne, they effectively hand an advantage to powerhouse subcontinental batting lineups.

While venue flexibility and stadium revenue are essential for the financial survival of the sport, they should never come at the cost of competitive advantage.

If CSA forces the Proteas to play the 2027 World Cup on untested, characterless trays, they may find they have fixed a commercial problem while breaking South Africa’s best shot at global glory – and let’s face it, South Africa needs every possible advantage it can grab if it is to finally break its duck and win a Cricket World Cup.

Read next: England and India’s most classic white-ball finishes

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