Proteas beat Australia: Jansen, Bavuma and Harmer top series ratings

The Proteas came back from a heavy defeat in the opening Test to beat Australia, and IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams has now marked each player’s contribution out of 10. According to IOL, the squad’s strength was its ability to find different match-winners at key moments.

The top performers

Marco Jansen received the only 10. He scored 198 runs at an average of 39.60 and took 13 wickets, with a best of 5/33. IOL described him as a complete all-rounder and noted that he is now the No 1-ranked Test bowler and all-rounder.

Temba Bavuma earned 9.5 for his 218 runs, including a top score of 179. His century under pressure in Gqeberha came after the 214-run loss in Durban and set the tone for the fightback. Simon Harmer also scored 9.5. He was preferred to Keshav Maharaj after the first Test and then took his first 10-wicket match haul at Newlands, including 6/16 on the final day.

Wiaan Mulder was rated 9 for his 187 runs and 10 wickets. His second-innings century at Newlands tilted the match and the series in South Africa’s favour, according to IOL. Debutant Marques Ackerman also got a 9. He opened the batting in the second Test and made 162 runs, including a fluent 95 in Cape Town that fell short of a maiden century.

Ryan Rickelton scored 8 for moving from struggling opener to middle-order wicketkeeper-batter, finishing with 176 runs and a century at Newlands. Kagiso Rabada got 8.5 for returning from injury in Gqeberha and reaching 350 Test wickets.

Those who fell short

Aiden Markram (7) and David Bedingham (6) both made starts but did not turn them into big scores. IOL noted that Bedingham struggled against Australia’s short-ball plan, particularly at Newlands, a weakness opponents are likely to target again. Anrich Nortje (6) bowled quickly but broke down after 3.3 overs at St George’s Park.

Matthew Breetzke received a 5, although his 43 in the second innings at Newlands was valuable and he took the catch that dismissed Steve Smith in Gqeberha. Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne were each rated 3. Coetzee came in for the injured Nortje in the final Test after more than two years away from Test cricket and took one wicket.

What happens next

Fans can expect more selection debate before the Bangladesh series next month. IOL said questions now surround Maharaj’s long-term place in the Test plans. It also suggested Stubbs could still be considered when the squad is announced, and said Verreynne may find the road back difficult given Rickelton’s form.

These ratings are one writer’s opinion rather than an official assessment, but they show where the Proteas’ strengths and selection puzzles lie ahead of their next Test assignment.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.