South Africa’s Test cricket team has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent months, marked by impressive individual performances and significant victories. Ryan Rickelton came to prominence when he scored the country’s first double century in nine years. In doing so, his exemplary batting effort helped South Africa secure a 2–0 series victory over Pakistan. This victory serves as the perfect exclamation point to the team’s incredible renaissance. They worked their way out of a dark age in which South African batters scored just six Test centuries from January 2020 to February 2023.
The best innings I’ve seen live
At the recent World Test Championship final, Aiden Markram killed it. He produced an outstanding fourth-innings 136 against Australia. His performance was truly bountiful. Coupled with Kagiso Rabada’s extraordinary nine-wicket haul, it was an exhibition of the depth and potential of the South African side. Even in light of their recent successes, the team faces a lengthy battle. If they were to miss out, they wouldn’t be playing red-ball cricket in South Africa until October 2026.
Temba Bavuma’s leadership has been noteworthy. He became the first captain to secure 11 Test victories before experiencing a defeat, boasting an impressive average of 51.66 this year. His vision to help steer the program in the right direction has proven key to their recent rise and has given them confidence on the court.
From January 2020 to February 2023, South African batters were vastly underperforming. The change from then until now has been remarkable, to say the least. South African players have broken triple-digits 23 times this year. They are winning Tests by an average of more than a hundred runs. This state-wide turnaround saw some unbelievable successes, such as Wiaan Mulder’s record breaking innings of 367 against Zimbabwe. His astonishing performance now puts Brian Lara’s record for the highest Test score ever on notice.
South Africa’s lower odler has been doing some super batting, too. This year, their average of 29.51 remains the lowest of any Test-playing nation. This accomplishment speaks to the creativity and braintrust of the team. This year, the squad has already produced an astounding 10 centuries. Besides welcoming three first-time centurions and one first-time double centurion, this is clear indication of a very positive future for South African cricket.
Simon Harmer was an unsung hero of the recent tour of India. He took 17 wickets in two Tests as South Africa guided England to a series-winning, jubilant 2-0 series win. Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket haul in Rawalpindi helped square the series with Pakistan, further solidifying the prowess of South Africa’s bowling attack.
Underpinning these successes though, is a revolution in the fast-bowling department, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada. In his time, fast bowlers have turned their art on its head. They bring plenty of technical ability, and a well-developed skillset that broadens their effectiveness not just with the ball, but without it. This development over the years has made South Africa a strong force in the international cricketing arena.
Unsurprisingly, the management is encouraged, even excited about the team’s prospects as they seek to qualify for a second straight WTC final. To keep this lofty goal, South Africa will need to win at least two of these series in 2026. Luckily for them, they are very much on that trajectory today.
“It’s been a remarkable period for us,” – Sunuran Muthusamy
Muthusamy acknowledged the collective effort of the team, stating, “We all share the responsibility and take pride in what we do.”
He further added, “We’re never beaten. That’s the message the leadership group has given us.”
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