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Around the Wicket - Rating the South Africans

South Africa Player Ratings

Just thought I would go through and give my assessment on how the players from both teams performed this summer. First – the winners – South Africa, who played brilliant, pressure cricket from day 1. They may not be ranked no. 1 in the world at the moment, but I’ve got them there.

Now, I’ve given every player a rating out of 10, and a short description of why I think that’s the case. Go ahead and tell me I’m wrong...

Graham Smith – 10. Apart from the injury, this was the perfect series for Smithy. He came over here determined to do well, and he led from the front, almost captaining his side to an unthinkable whitewash in Australia. He proved that he is still the barometer for his side – if he performs, South Africa generally wins. When he was absent from the field in Sydney, the side looked rudderless.

Neil McKenzie – 5. It was a poor series for Macca. I don’t think his technique is good enough for an opening batsman, and his mind seems to be full of silly superstitions, rather than focusing on the ball. Failed to make an impact on the series.

Hashim Amla – 8. Deano’s mate was consistent all the way through the series, averaging 51, but he would have loved to have made a ton, rather than getting out after making starts. Also made a few blunders in the field, which he doesn’t normally do.

Jacques Kallis – 6. Far from his best series. Again averaged less than 40 with the bat against Australia, and only managed to take 7 wickets. For such a great player, question marks will always remain over his record against the best. However, he would be overjoyed to finally get a win in Australia after so many defeats.

AB DeVilliers – 7. A great dig in Perth to get the tourists over the line, but otherwise his batting was a bit up and down. Too often he gets stuck on strike and can’t find a way off. Still, he averaged 60 for the tour, and fielded brilliantly – better than Jonty Rhodes I reckon. And apparently he keeps wicket too...

JP Duminy – 8. The find of the series for South Africa. Nobody thought he would even play this series, as he was the backup batsmen. Now, I think Ashwell Prince might struggle to get back in the side. Duminy has great composure and class in pressure situations. One for the future.

Mark Boucher – 7. Only a solid series for Bouchy. Just the 122 runs for the series – 89 of them after the series had been decided. However, his keeping was very good, and he easily out kept Haddin. Another of the old timers who will be stoked to win in Australia.

Morne Morkel – 5. I was particularly disappointed in Morne, who many predicted would have a great series, and trouble Australia more than Steyn, thanks to his bounce. That never eventuated, and Morkel was all over the place, and never really looked to be in good rhythm. Just 9 wickets for the series. He’s better than that, and will trouble the Aussies in South Africa.

Paul Harris – 7. He came out here with a very negative reputation – but bowled far more adventurously than anyone anticipated. He only took 10 wickets, but took some very important wickets at some very important times. Not much chop with the bat or in the field though.

Dale Steyn – 9. Steyn was excellent in Melbourne, picking up a ten for to win the series for South Africa. He swings the ball away at pace, something which apparently no Australian bowlers knows how to do anymore. Also showed plenty of ticker with the bat, despite limited talent. Another one for the future. Can be expensive though.

Makhaya Ntini – 7. The stats will show he wasn’t as good as Morkel, but I thought Ntini was pretty good this summer. He was solid without being brilliant, and was everything you want from the experienced quick bowler who has lost his pace. Like Kallis and Boucher, will be absolutely thrilled to finally win in Australia.
Thu 08/01/2009 Dave Bremner 132 views

4 Comments about this article

  • When Nine Network took over the telecasting of international cricket back in the late 70s a car was the prize for their player of the year (now politically incorrect prize name of Benson & Hedges player of the year). If such an award was up for grabs this year I would say JP Duminy would win it hands down.

    Posted by John Campo Wed Jan 14, 2009 01:05pm AEST
  • there was another team?



    hmmm...seems like they won. Let's stick it up em like australia used to get when they won

    Posted by Udara Wis Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:43pm AEST
  • Udara -I follow Australia and it not about sticking up the Aussies. I think JP Duminy has been the find of the summer and played a big part in South Africa winning the series this summer.

    Posted by John Campo Thu Jan 15, 2009 03:32pm AEST
  • john, come around the forums a bit more to understand our speak.. ;)

    Posted by Udara Wis Sat Jan 17, 2009 10:51am AEST

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