Thakasani Khumalo

Proteas defeated Australia by 6 wickets in the final Momentum One Day International (ODI) and completed a 3-0 whitewash series in Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.

From a catastrophic, insipid series against England, proteas finally defied odds and overcame Aussies to win their first series this summer, they did it in style as they disgraced Australia with 3-0 whitewash. Here we look at four things we learned as proteas convincingly whitewashed Aussies.

No, De Kock? there is still party

Out of all Proteas’ batsmen during the all-formats series against England the only player who recorded most runs is Quintin de Kock, there was a bit over-reliance on him. It was not the case this time around, the other batsmen stood up particularly Henrich Klaasen and David Miller the, the former produced one of his best ODI performances recording 123(114) not out, Miller providing support to the middle-order. This series showed us that there is still life after Captain De Kock.

Heinrich Klaasen’s class

Heinrich won the player of the series accolade for what has been his incredible ODI of his career recording runs 123*, 51 and 68*.  He is firm and truculent when batting, give him time and space he will surely punish you; he is able to find gaps and slot big numbers. maybe this the Kind of batsmen Boucher and Kallis have been looking for.

The rise of Lungi Ngidi

Ngidi recorded 10 wickets in this series including 6 wickets-for in the second ODI match in Mangaung Oval. Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the series with injury, the only senior fast bowlers were Phehlukwayo and Ngidi, the latter certainlyrose to the occasion and grabbed the chance given by coaches with both hands and recorded his 6 wicket maiden haul in the process, and this performance perhaps suggested there is still more to offer from him, only time will tell.

Rome was not built in a day

From a malfunctioning administration in summer, it was not clear where the Cricket South Africa (CSA) was headed as many members of the board resigned and CSA lost Standard Bank as their main sponsor amid all those sagas occurring, these kind of performances are slowly proving that Graeme Smith and coaching staff are building something formidable, it may not appear now but surely with this blossoming talent they are going somewhere.

 Picture: Supplied