Five reasons why the Proteas have a huge upper hand in the final match of the series

#3 An inspiring leader in Faf

Faf has led from the front in AB’s absence

Ever since de Villiers’ unavailability for this tour was known, Faf has assumed the role of leader of the side. He has shown so much flair as captain, rallying his troops to bring out the best in each of them that de Villiers is no longer assured of the job once he returns, despite CSA insisting that Faf was a stand-in captain.

He may have courted controversy with the ball-tampering claims, but the whole of South Africa have stood by him, in what seems like an unfair charge on the skipper. But he has trumped his opposite number, Smith, as a captain and handled a young team with so much panache.

Faf's attitude has a shade of Graeme Smith about it and it augers well for the Proteas that he will be available for the pink ball Test since his hearing in the ball-tampering issue takes place on Tuesday.