What a difference a captain makes. Or so it seems. Kevin Pietersen made a century and did what very few of his predecessors have done; lead his team to victory in his first Test as captain. England won comfortably rather than easily but it was too little too late. South Africa won the series 2-1.
Already the scribes are talking up England’s chances next summer with the new skipper too declaring that England can regain the Ashes. Strange how few people talk about a series before then; England versus India in India.
Smith had a poor match but goes home a winning captain. His side performed more consistently than the locals and whilst they were outplayed in the first Test, they were lucky or skilful enough to survive and then outplay England in the next two games.
Two old or should that be experienced warhorses are the all-rounders Flintoff and Kallis. The South African did not have a great series. In fact his talents seem to be on the wane. Once his batting was all power and his bowling deceptively dangerous. Both areas are weaker and his glory days may well be over. Flintoff is the unknown, the possible magical ingredient to turn England from strugglers to stars. His batting is still dangerous but it’s his bowling which creates excitement. He is as lively and as aggressive as ever. If his fitness holds, he could be the match-winner again as he has been before.
England now seems settled in their batting. Certainly their openers Strauss and Cook are young, solid and impressive. Bell is mercurial but a good choice at 3. Whether Vaughan returns, time will tell and the new captain’s batting hardly suffered once the skipper’s job came his way. Collingwood is reliable and, well, Collingwood.
Harmison is back in the side and did well. His problem has always been consistency. Panesar will need to improve in India where conditions will suit his style. Two strange bowling decisions were made by England. Simon Jones is fit again and has a short but compelling record. Why did he never play? And why was the Australian-raised Pattinson plucked from obscurity, given one Test and dumped?
Winners are grinners and the tourists should be well pleased. Their skipper led from the front. Amla, Prince and De Villiers gave excellent support and their bowlers were even and took wickets on a regular basis. Steyn, Ntini and Morkel were solid contributors and it was a team effort which helped South Africa to this historic series win.
The next twelve months will answer many questions. South Africa play a series in Australia and then the Aussies head to England for an Ashes clash. How good is South Africa to win away from home? How good is Australian now that a few ‘average’ cricketers like Gilchrist, Warne and McGrath are no longer available? Fascinating times lie ahead.
But on the immediate horizon are the ODIs between England and South Africa. The fun never stops.
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