Proteas have a few niggles to consider before second Test

Although the Proteas beat Sri Lanka in the first Test confortably by 233 runs, there remains a few concern they must rectify before teh next match. Here, Ongama Gcwabe looks at what they got right and what wrongs they must correct before the second Test in Gqeberha starts on Thursday.

LOW: A poor opening

Openers Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram have made commendable progress since starting their partnership in the Caribbean last August.

However, at Kingsmead Stadium, their best showing was only a 47-run partnership in the second innings, following a mere 14 runs in the first innings. A strong opening stand is essential in Tests as it sets the tone and eases the batting conditions for the rest of the team.

HIGH: A couple of tons

A proud cricketing nation, South Africa has long awaited batters eager for big centuries. In the past, it has been challenging to achieve centuries, but this year alone, the team has amassed eight centuries in six Tests, with contributions from Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, and Temba Bavuma, along with two from Stubbs.

This marks a significant improvement, instilling confidence within the relatively inexperienced batting line-up for the rest of the summer. With Mulder out due to injury for the rest of the series, recalled Matthew Breetzke will also get an opportunity to weigh in with the willow.

LOW: Cluster of wickets

One significant concern from the first Test was the tendency for batters to lose wickets in clusters. The openers fell within three deliveries, and the subsequent wickets were lost within just two overs. This issue surfaced earlier in the year during the series against the West Indies, prompting Coach Shukri Conrad to emphasise the need for improvement in this area.

HIGH: Championship consideration

Despite a disappointing series loss in New Zealand due to a second-string team, South Africa has performed well this year, stringing together consistent victories both at home and away. Their solid performance has kept them in contention for next year’s World Test Championship final in London. Taking full advantage of the remaining three home Tests will be critical for the Proteas to secure their place at Lord's.

LOW: Those extras

Despite South Africa taking 20 wickets without their fourth seamer Wiaan Mulder, who was injured, there remains a pressing need to cut down on extras.

In the second innings, the team bowled 13 no-balls, primarily from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Although the first innings saw only four no-balls, excessive extras could jeopardise match outcomes. Bowling coach Piet Botha is set to work with the seamers to improve this significantly.

The bowling unit will have to tighten up in the second Test, especially if Kwena Maphaka enter the fray. The 18-year-old paceman joined the squad yesterday for the rest of the summer to replace the injured Gerard Coetzee and it will be up to the more experienced bowlers to guide him through the maelstrom.