When Makhaya Ntini finally edged Anil Kumble to slip on Thursday morning, the South African tail had stretched the lead over India to 116. Sitting over their breakfasts that morning, a group of men would have cast their minds back nearly 11 years to Sydney when a different South African team defended 116 for what remains the most famous victory of the modern era.
This time, though, history did not repeat itself. Coach Ray Jennings may well have said ‘Remember Sydney†before he ushered the South Africans out for the Indian second innings, but in the New Year of 1994 South Africa fielded four specialist bowlers against Australia. At Eden Gardens, South Africa had two-and-a-half, perhaps three, specialists.
Apart from Ntini and Shaun Pollock, South Africa had Andrew Hall, who, while often regarded as a bowling all-rounder, has invariably performed better with the bat as a Test player and Justin Ontong and Zander de Bruyn, who are batsmen who bowl.
That said, South Africa’s bowlers should not be blamed for the defeat in Kolkata. The tourists were always chasing the game after failing to make enough runs in their first innings and in their second innings, on a viciously spitting pitch against the world’s best spin bowling combination, they fought bravely.
This, then, is what Graeme Smith’s team may be able to bring home from India: the awareness that any side hoping to compete at Test level has to be properly equipped. At the same time, though, it is impossible to ignore the sense that South Africa turned some sort of corner during their brief visit to the subcontinent.
Jennings’s claim that technique is overrated has been widely quoted, but his point always was that Test players ought to be able to play the game by the time that they arrive at the highest level. The difference between those who succeed and those who fail is largely in the head or, if you like, in the gut. It’s hardly a controversial point of view and is one, in fact, that is widely shared.
The way Jennings puts it simply shifts the emphasis slightly and even those who disparage Jennings’s methods and personality would be hard-pressed, just at the moment, to argue that there was not a greater purpose and a more obvious team spirit about the South Africans in India.
It was not a properly equipped squad and not all the experiments indulged in by the selectors can be said to have worked. Nicky Boje was originally named as the first-choice spinner and tour vice-captain, with Justin Ontong as back-up. When Boje declined to tour, Charl Langeveldt, bewilderingly, was named as his replacement. And when Langeveldt withdrew, Robin Peterson was belatedly called up. Peterson played in first Test, Ontong in the second. It is difficult to believe that the aspirations of either player were advanced on this tour.
Which is not to say that one or the other, or both, cannot establish themselves as Test players. Both have had tough introductions to Test cricket, with Ontong, in particular, having been done no favours by the manner and timing of his selections for his two Test matches.
Even now, nearly three years after Percy Sonn’s controversial intervention in the selection of the side for the 2002 Sydney Test match, the former United Cricket Board president has tried to argue that Ontong was chosen purely on cricketing grounds.
On television with Western Province president Norman Arendse the other night, the extraordinary claim was made that Ontong had been in ‘outstanding†form when selected in Sydney. In his only previous match on the tour, Ontong had bagged a ‘pair†against New South Wales.
It should be self-evident by now that Ontong is an immensely gifted batsman who bowls a bit and can offer a captain an occasional option in particular circumstances. Peterson, meanwhile, could still establish himself as South Africa’s first-choice spinner, particularly if Boje continues to refuse to tour India.
In the launch edition of the impressive South African version of the Wisden Cricket Monthly magazine, Jennings makes the point that ‘Nicky’s wiping himself out of the equation, only playing a portion of our cricket.â€
Of the changes made for the Indian tour, and with England about to arrive, Hall has established himself as a viable alternative to Herschelle Gibbs at the top of the order, particularly if Gibbs continues to pick and choose when to play. De Bruyn was obviously another success, playing with an assurance that belied his status three or four years ago as a journeyman provincial cricketer.
It would be unfair to judge Hashim Amla on the basis of one match, but South Africa may need to look back to Mark Boucher’s batting and experience for the series against England. Thami Tsolekile didn’t do much wrong in difficult conditions in India, but neither did he do enough to convince that he is the long-term replacement for Boucher at this stage.
Of the better-established players, Jacques Kallis, Smith and Ntini had good tours, but it was the team effort that was most encouraging, even in defeat.
It might not have been the case a month ago, but there is cause for optimism. A third fast bowler is required. If Andre Nel is fit and can recapture last summer’s form he would give the attack greater edge.
If not, South Africa might have to look forward to someone like Dale Steyn or even backward to Nantie Hayward.
Given the right tools and consistent selection South Africa could still be a match for England.