Aiden Markram was the best Proteas player in the first Test against Australia at Kingsmead in Durban, according to IOL Sport’s player ratings. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were among the players who struggled.
The match was South Africa’s first home Test in the defence of their World Test Championship title. IOL Sport said the start was shaky.
IOL Sport writer Zaahier Adams rated the full playing XI. He said a lack of red-ball cricket showed, mostly among the batters. He said they did not show enough patience at the crease.
Adams named Markram the team’s outstanding performer. He said Markram showed calm and fight, scoring 75 in the fourth innings. That knock made Australia wait longer for victory. Adams said Markram was also outstanding in the slips.
Rickelton had a poor match as opener, according to the ratings. Adams said two failures at the top of the order could put his place at risk for the next Test in Gqeberha.
Stubbs also had a hard time. Adams said he looked well set in the first innings before giving his wicket away. He said Stubbs played another loose shot in the second innings when the team needed more from him. Adams said he may not get another chance at his home ground next week.
Captain Temba Bavuma suffered his first Test defeat as Proteas skipper. Adams said the side needed a big innings from its leader, but Bavuma could not make an impact. He said Bavuma’s dismissal by Matt Renshaw in the second innings was a turning point. Adams added that Bavuma let the game drift in the field.
Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was solid behind the stumps but failed with the bat in both innings, the ratings said. Adams said the loyalty shown to the Western Province keeper could be running out.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj had a disappointing Test at his home ground. Adams said Steve Smith targeted him from the start. He said Renshaw then used sweeps and reverse sweeps to take him out of the game. Maharaj did show good fight with the bat in the first innings, Adams said.
Adams said one bowler was among South Africa’s best. That player took important wickets, mostly in the first innings. He almost saved the Proteas from defeat during his partnership with Markram.
Another fast bowler was praised as hostile and aggressive. Adams said he often bowled at high pace and could unsettle the Australian batters. It was his first Test in three years.
Adams said one seamer was not as sharp as hoped. He said that player will likely lose his place to make room for Kagiso Rabada’s return.
Australia lead the series after winning in Durban. The second Test will be played at St George’s Park in Gqeberha next week.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.