South Africa must strike the right balance between youth and experience, according to captain Quinton de Kock, who praised the performance of his rookie pitchers in his innings and the first 45-run test win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
South Africa completed their beautiful victory just after lunch on the fourth day at Centurion Park, their first test victory in a year achieved with a new bowling attack that improved markedly as the game progressed.
The win was also achieved by a superb 199 from former captain Faf du Plessis, the most experienced member of the team.
“You need to find that balance (between youth and experience) and Faf came out and showed his leadership qualities. He has been in a lot of pressure situations and there is no better player in the team for that, ”De Kock told reporters.
The seam attack from Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder and Lutho Sipamla entered the game with only 12 test appearances between them, but the last two, both of 22, were particularly impressive.
“(Mulder’s) results speak for themselves, any team with an all-rounder that can add value with the ball and the bat is always key. It was great to see a young man go out and bowl with maturity and intention, ”said De Kock.
Sipamla was erratic in his opening spell on the first morning but finished with four wickets in the innings and six in the match.
“It was just the nerves from the debut of a test match. We talked to him and he came back very well, ”said De Kock. “He showed great character and it was great to watch his fight.”
With Kagiso Rabada back in shape set to return for the second test in Johannesburg starting January 3, one of the quartet is likely to miss, unless he decides to play a full attack and skip spinner Keshav Maharaj.
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