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As South Africa visit the subcontinental shores this autumn, much would be at stake for the number 1 ranked Test team in the world who still carry their proud tag of ‘invincible touring side’ in Tests for nine years running. The four-Test series against India might perhaps be their biggest challenge yet as they are expected to be locked in a firm tussle against a young, rejuvenated side led by an aggressive Virat Kohli.
Ever since 2006, when a Graeme Smith led-Proteas side lost to Sri Lanka in the latter’s backyard, South Africa have always found ways to eke out narrow victories or get away with crucial draws. The 2008 Australian summer was one such instance, where against all odds, the visitors chased down a mammoth 414 to draw first blood in Perth.
They managed to glean out a series triumph, which happened to be their first ever Test series victory on Australian turf, quite comfortably. Four years down the line, they battered the English in their own backyard to be crowned as the World Test Champions.
From then on, South Africa have showed their mental toughness and character whenever the time called for it - later that year, they miraculously escaped an embarrassing defeat in Adelaide thanks to the heroics of Francois Du Plessis and Jacques Kallis’ which helped them scrape to a draw, before Dale Steyn’s seven-wicket haul in the final Test, demolished the Aussies, thus helping Proteas clinch the series.
Come 2013, they faced their biggest test to preserve their impressive record after they were thrashed by Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in the first Test. Not many could have foreseen a turnaround, but Imran Tahir single-handedly destroyed his native country, bundling them out for ninety-nine in the first innings which paved the way for a South African comeback.
Last but not least, in Hashim Amla’s first Test series as skipper, South Africa pulled off a last-minute draw with Tahir and Vernon Philander’ s undefeated stand saving the match despite being second-best throughout the five days in the second Test.
Why India pose the greatest threat to South Africa’s record
The last time South Africa toured India, it was a two-game series which eventually finished 1-1. But this time round, they are embarking on what would be their longest away tour, one which lasts 72 days, and the two teams will do battle initially in the 3-match T20 series and five one-dayers before they launch their ‘tag’ defense.
Under the torturous humid conditions here in India, the South African players will definitely be pushed to their limits, but their outstanding fitness levels should see them through.
The Proteas squad feature many new names in the likes of Simon Harmer, Dane Vilas & Dane Piedt who have all done well when they have been given their chances; Piedt took eight wickets in his debut game against Zimbabwe while Harmer had a good outing against West Indies earlier this year.
There is no doubt however that the visitors would be relying much on their experienced trio of Amla, AB de Villiers, and Steyn. Apart from these top names, they also have the calm Du Plessis and evergreen JP Duminy in their ranks.
Though the squad looks quite balanced in every facet, the inexperience of many of the players on the turning subcontinental pitches would be a major concern for coach Russell Domingo. The middle order which includes the likes of Dane Villas and Temba Bavuma might find it hard to acclimatize to these conditions, even though they featured in the South African A side earlier in August, considering the quality India has in its spin department. So their pedigree would definitely be tested.
Where the South African strength lies
There are a few reasons, however, why South Africa might just extend their reign as the number 1 side and remain unbeaten in away Test series for some time more. Firstly, it would be their own spin department which includes the highly-talented Tahir as well as relative newcomers in Harmer and Eddie Lei.
Indian batsmen have fallen quite astonishingly to spin in a couple of past series like in the English tour and later in Sri Lanka, where they were left contemplating after Rangana Herath wove a trap for the Indians, picking seven wickets in the second innings of the Galle Test. The outstanding duo of Morne Morkel and Steyn pick themselves, but the other pacers could see themselves left out as South Africa might be tempted to play two spinners under these conditions.
Secondly, South Africa has got a very stable number 3 in Du Plessis whose understanding of the game always give South Africa an edge. De Villiers’ versatility in terms of playing anywhere in the line-up and under any circumstances will open up plenty of options for Amla.
Their fielding standards would also keep them a notch above their Indian counterparts.
But most importantly, many of them have the experience of playing under these conditions due to their enrollment in different IPL franchises, which would definitely serve them well.
So taking all these aspects into account and the fact that they are the number 1 team, the odds would definitely be hanging in the balance as we eagerly await this much-anticipated series.
