South Africa registered win over Pakistan (Source: AFP)
The WTC champions, South Africa, are on a tough subcontinent tour, and after losing the first Test against Pakistan, they have made a strong comeback with a convincing win in Rawalpindi.
This is South Africa's first Test win in Pakistan since 2007, which shows that the current Proteas unit knows how to win matches in tough conditions. Their next Test assignment is the two-match Test series in India, and this win is likely to give them a lot of confidence ahead of that series.
South Africa's win against Pakistan is also a dangerous sign for India, who not long ago lost a home Test series to New Zealand. Thus, here are South Africa's strengths that India needs to be wary of in the upcoming Test series.
Batters with temperament and skills to score runs on subcontinental wickets
The conditions in Pakistan were heavily stacked against the Proteas, with the home team dishing out rank-turners. However, in both the games, South African batters displayed great resilience and Pakistan spinners were never allowed easy wickets. The likes of Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, and Dewald Brevis all scored runs, which shows that South Africa are not dependent on one or two players on spin-friendly wickets.
It puts them in a great position to succeed in India as well, and with Bavuma also returning, the Proteas look a solid batting unit and the one that would not be rolled over easily in alien conditions.
Spin-bowling all-rounders and a long batting line-up
South Africa are traditionally known for producing world-class pacers but have been light on the spin front. However, this South African team is different; they not only have quality spinners, but all of them can bat too.
Senuran Mutuswamy has shown his utility in the two Tests against Pakistan, with 11 wickets in the first encounter and 89 with the bat in the second match. Keshav Maharaj is one of the leading spinners in the world and showed his class in Rawalpindi with nine wickets in the game.
Simon Harmer, the off-spinner, picked six wickets in the second innings of the Rawalpindi Test and emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the Proteas with 13 wickets. Harmer is also a decent batter and has two first-class centuries, while Kagiso Rabada, who came out to bat at 11 against Pakistan, also smashed 71.
Thus, South Africa bat deep and have the bowling to exploit the subcontinental conditions, which makes them an opposition that can trouble India in the Test series at home.
All bases covered - Irrespective of pitch
South Africa have always been a strong team, but they struggled to tackle subcontinental conditions in the last decade or so. However, with this win against Pakistan, the Proteas have shown that they are better prepared to handle the alien conditions this time.
As mentioned earlier, they have a potent spin-bowling arsenal and batters who can score runs on turning wickets. Thus, even if India dish out those dusty decks, the Proteas are not likely to be rolled over, and we expect a good fight.
However, if the wickets are better to bat and there is help for pacers too, as asked by the Indian head coach after the WI series, then South Africa are ready for it too. Their pacers, like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen would enjoy it if there is help for the pacers, while their batters also would love a more balanced pitch.
Also, South Africa are high on confidence after winning the WTC final and now this win against Pakistan, and it is likely to reflect on how they go about their business against India. Temba Bavuma will be back as captain and is yet to lose a match as a leader, showing his quality of handling resources.
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