Cricinfo runs the rule over the 14 South African players they fielded during the series
Brydon Coverdale in Cape Town23-Mar-2009AB de Villiers took several strides towards his goal of becoming the world’s No. 1 batsman•Getty Images
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AB de Villiers
South Africa’s leading run scorer for the series with 357 at 89.25.
Importantly he made contributions in all three matches, beginning with
an against-the-tide 104 in Johannesburg and finishing with a
magnificent 163 that helped set up the victory in Cape Town. Is
reluctant to take over the wicketkeeping duties in future because he
wants to focus on becoming the world’s No. 1 batsman and made some
strong steps forward during the series.8
Dale Steyn
Along with Mitchell Johnson, the equal top wicket-taker for the series
with 16 at 29.62. But disappointingly Steyn’s best performance came in
the dead rubber and when the series was there to be won in the first
two Tests he lacked the zip and spark that had been so evident in
Australia. Still put together some terrific spells and his bouncer
barrage at Phillip Hughes in Johannesburg was one of the enduring
memories of the trip.Jacques Kallis
Had a strange series in that for most of it he appeared to be out of
touch yet still posted 289 runs at 57.80 and was behind only Hughes
and de Villiers on the tally. Found his best form in Cape Town, where
he scored his first Test century in 11 months, and captained South
Africa to an innings victory. Also became the first South African to
reach 10,000 Test runs and proved that he is still a force at the
highest level.Ashwell Prince
Was cruelly overlooked for the first two Tests despite being the
vice-captain and having scored a century in his previous Test innings.
When he returned for the dead rubber at Newlands it was in the
unfamiliar opening role but he put the disappointment behind him to
score a fluent 150 that set up the victory and left the selectors
wondering what might have been had he played in Johannesburg and
Durban.7.5
Paul Harris
His major contribution, a nine-wicket match haul, came in the dead
rubber but it was enough to earn him Man-of-the-Match honours. Despite
being on the wrong end of some heavy treatment in Johannesburg, he was
a constant threat throughout the series and underlined that he has
become an important member of the South African attack.6.5
Makhaya Ntini
Arguably the most consistent of South Africa’s bowlers in that he was
rarely dominated by the batsmen. However, he also failed to take any
big match-changing hauls. He is certainly coming towards the end of a
superb career but can still be a threat in short, sharp spells, if not
the strike weapon that he once was having now lost a yard of speed.5.5
Hashim Amla
At his best a joy to watch but is developing a frustrating habit of
failing to go on with his positive starts. His list of scores for this
series read 1, 57, 0, 43, 46 and on the tour of Australia he was
similarly unable to move past the 50 region. Is being viewed as South
Africa’s long-term No. 3 but must soon take the next step and begin to
post some big centuries.JP Duminy
Fell back down to earth after his phenomenal tour of Australia. Ricky
Ponting’s men felt he was susceptible to quick bouncers and it proved
a good ploy. Duminy lost confidence when pelted with short stuff and
twice was caught gloving bouncers behind. His best performance was an
unbeaten 73 in Durban, which was a terrific effort as only one of his
team-mates reached double figures in that innings.Morne Morkel was too inconsistent and leaked too many runs•Getty Images
Albie Morkel
Came in only for the third Test and his major impact was with the bat,
when he struck an entertaining 58. Also picked up the important wicket
of Ponting in the first innings but has some work to do to prove
himself as a Test bowler.5
Graeme Smith
Apart from a solid 69 in the second innings in Johannesburg it was a
series to forget for Smith. It began with a duck at the Wanderers and
finished for him with a broken hand in Durban courtesy of a rising
delivery from Mitchell Johnson. It was quite a turnaround from his
strong tour of Australia and it’s a series he will be keen to put
behind him as soon as possible.Mark Boucher
Was as reliable as ever behind the stumps but with the bat he had no
impact whatsoever. A series tally of 62 runs was not enough from the
man who South Africa rely on to shepherd their lower order.4
Neil McKenzie
Had his Test career almost certainly terminated for good when he was
axed after the Durban loss. Wasn’t in terrific form but in three of
his four innings had made solid starts and reached the 30s. Will find it very difficult to fight back into the team.3
Morne Morkel
Was wayward with the ball and thoughtless with the bat. Picked up six
wickets in the first two Tests but was terribly inconsistent and
leaked a few too many runs, which lost him his place for the dead
rubber in Cape Town. Threw his wicket away with reckless pulls in both
innings in Johannesburg, which was exactly the opposite of the kind of
batting required given the match situations.Imraan Khan
Came in as McKenzie’s replacement and played a couple of good shots
before he was out for 20 in his only Test innings. Hard to judge
whether he can become a regular Test player in the future but will
almost certainly be the man to miss out when Smith returns.
