The strength of the Proteas team in the series matches lies in its ability to find various players who can perform in crucial moments. This was evident during the epic victory over Australia, as significant contributions were made by players from across the squad. Some athletes significantly boosted their reputation, while others realized that more effort would be required for the next challenge.
Proteas Player Ratings from IOL Sport
Marques Ackerman received a rating of 9/10. He scored 162 runs at an average of 54.33, including a high score of 95. Initially, sent to a deep position to open in the debut second match after South Africa's top order collapsed in Kingsmead, Ackerman struggled against Australia's strong fast bowling attack. However, the left-hander impressively responded in Newlands, confidently counter-attacking. His fluent innings of 95 in Cape Town was one of the best performances of the series, though it didn't reach century status, after which he added another fifty in the second innings.
Aiden Markram received a rating of 7, scoring 202 runs at an average of 40.40, with a best score of 78. Markram showed glimpses of his class but felt he missed opportunities to score more. Although there were starts, major innings that could have changed the course of the matches did not materialize consistently enough.
David Bedingham received a rating of 6, scoring 156 runs at an average of 31.20, with a best score of 50. Appointed as Proteas' new third batsman at the start of the series, Bedingham also showed several promising starts but failed to convert any into a substantial result. His inability to consistently handle Australia's short-ball strategy, especially in Newlands, exposed a weakness that opponents will surely exploit in the future.
Temba Bavuma received a rating of 9.5, scoring 218 runs at an average of 43.60, with a best score of 179. The captain became the heart of South Africa's resistance. His brave century under pressure in Gqeberha, combined with his calm leadership, set the tone for a team that refused to be intimidated. Bavuma took the initiative when the stakes were highest and created one of the defining performances of the series.
Matthew Breetzke received a rating of 5, scoring 49 runs at an average of 16.33, with a best score of 43. Brought in mid-series to inject impetus into the Proteas middle order, Breetzke failed to capitalize on opportunities, falling victim to poor shot selection in Gqeberha and in the second innings at Newlands. Nevertheless, his 43 in the second innings proved vital for Proteas, helping to halt the Australian attack seeking early breakthroughs in the fourth morning session. He also took a valuable catch in St George's Park, dismissing Steve Smith.
Ryan Rickelton received a rating of 8/10, scoring 176 runs at an average of 35.20, with a best score of 101. Rickelton started the series as a struggling opening batsman and finished it as a flourishing middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman. Two failures at the top order in Kingsmead put him under pressure, but the absence of Kyle Verreynne created an opportunity behind the stumps. Rickelton helped initiate Proteas' fightback alongside Bavuma in Gqeberha, and then concluded the series with a magnificent century and partnership with Wayne Mulder in Newlands. He wasn't always flawless with the gloves, but he seized the most important chances.
Wiaan Mulder received a rating of 9, scoring 187 runs at an average of 37.40, 10 wickets at an average of 23.70, with a best score of 115. It was a growth series for Mulder, who contributed significantly with both bat and ball. He was outstanding with the new ball in Kingsmead in Rabada's absence and continued to make vital contributions throughout the series, especially in Gqeberha, where he took crucial wickets on the final day. Mulder saved the best for Newlands, where his second-innings century decisively changed both the match and the series in favour of Proteas.
Marco Jansen received a rating of 10, scoring 198 runs at an average of 39.60, 13 wickets at an average of 19.76, with a best score of 85. It was a complete all-round series for Jansen. Runs, wickets, catches, and match-defining moments—he provided everything. He was simply sensational throughout, especially in Gqeberha, where he turned the tide of the contest with both bat and ball. Jansen now ranks first among bowlers and all-rounders in Test matches. Proteas has a true superstar in the 'laaitie from Clerksdorp.'
Simon Harmer received a rating of 9.5, taking 14 wickets at an average of 23.70, scoring 118 runs at an average of 39.33, with a best score of 82. Despite an unsatisfactory first Test, where Proteas opted for a dual spin attack alongside Keshav Maharaj, Harmer was supported ahead of Maharaj for the remainder of the series. This was a bold decision given that Maharaj had been South Africa's primary spinner for nearly a decade. This decision immediately paid off in Gqeberha, where Harmer's partnership with captain Bavuma helped shift the momentum of the series. But it was in Newlands that Harmer fully justified the trust placed in him, securing his maiden five-wicket haul, including excellent figures of 6/16 on the final day. He also took a couple of brilliant catches in the slips.
Gerald Coetzee received a rating of 3, taking 1 wicket at an average of 77.00, with a best score of 1/70. As a replacement for the injured Heinrich Nortje in the final Test, Coetzee bowled with good pace but looked like a bowler lacking red ball rhythm after more than two years away from the Test arena.
Kagiso Rabada received a rating of 8.5, taking 10 wickets at an average of 24.70, with a best score of 4/77. After missing the first Test due to injury, Rabada's return in Gqeberha changed the course of the series. The difference was not only in his ability to take wickets but also in the influence he exerted on the rest of the team. His spin on the final morning in Newlands proved decisive once again, proving that the best players shine when their team needs them most. His milestone of 350 Test wickets was well-deserved after another series where he troubled Australia with his pace, control, and intelligence.
Anrich Nortje received a rating of 6, taking 5 wickets at an average of 29.80, with a best score of 2/56. Nortje bowled absolute rockets upon his return to Test cricket. He led the attack in Rabada's absence in Kingsmead, earning the support of the coaching staff for the second Test in Gqeberha. Unfortunately, his fragile body could not withstand the load, and he pulled out after just 3.3 overs in St George's Park.
Keshav Maharaj received a rating of 3, taking 2 wickets at an average of 65.50, with a best score of 2/56. A disappointing performance at his home ground in Kingsmead ultimately cost Maharaj his spot. He was replaced by Harmer for the remainder of the series, and following Harmer's outstanding performances, questions arise about Maharaj's long-term future in the South African Test team plans.
Tristan Stubbs received a rating of 3, scoring 33 runs at an average of 16.50, with a best score of 32. He was dropped after Kingsmead in favour of teammate Warriors Matthew Breetzke, and Stubbs endured a difficult start to the series. However, he remains a player of immense talent and could still feature in the equation when the squad is announced for the Bangladesh series next month.
Kyle Verreynne received a rating of 3, scoring 14 runs at an average of 7.00, with a best score of 13. Two poor dismissals in Kingsmead led to Verreynne being dropped for the remainder of the series. A comeback may prove difficult for the former incumbent wicketkeeper, especially considering Rickelton's batting success during the series that ended in a Newlands victory.
