So, the Test series has come and gone and to be honest, I'm not all too surprised by it. It should be stated that this was never termed an experiment. This is my own doing. It was a test within a Test and potential auditions for the next set of players or even replacements. It could also be seen as fulfilling every participating player's dream to represent and play for their country.
As I alluded to in a previous post (https://www.nicklieberthal.com/blog/an-end-to-test-cricket) sending an extremely understrength team was a show of disrespect to New Zealand (NZ) and proof that money talks. Just before the series began, I was alerted by Ryan Lieberthal that sending through a squad of this experience isn't an all too bad thing. It could be a chance for some of the rising stars to put their hand up for future selection before it's too late.
Fast forward post series and I mostly didn't see any prior uncapped players make a real statement of intent. Some of them failed misearbly. After this, those who failed will have to go back to the drawing board to see where they can improve. They will have to prove themselves in the domestic circuit. It is probably back to square one for them.
However, it is important to note that there was one position that was being advertised: the opening position. With the retirement of Dean Elgar at the end of India series, there were massive shoes to fill. As per the series, it was a chance or rather an audition for Neil Brand/Edward Moore/Clyde Fortuin to say, "I'm the one to replace Dean Elgar." In my view and eyes, none of them did.
The first test could be best described as a baptism of fire for 55% of the South African (SA) players who were making their debuts. Winning the toss, electing to field and not playing a spinner was a massive blunder. NZ racked up 511 with the lone (part time) spin bowler Neil Brand taking 6 wickets. SA were skiltered out for 162. NZ didn't enforce the follow-on and scored 179/4 before declaring to set SA a target of 529. SA did put on a better performance but were bowled out for 247 and a loss by 281 runs. No newbie had a standout performance. Yes, Neil Brand had a five-for on debut but he is a batter and not a bowler. David Bedingham stood out with 87.
Despite, what had happened in the 1st test, I was somewhat a bit optimistic for the 2nd Test. This faith almost paid off but alas, it didn't. SA put on a much better showing than in the previous encounter with NZ. SA batted first and scored 242 mainly due to Ruan de Swardt scoring 64. NZ would responded with 211. A returning Dane Piedt took a career best 5-89. SA would score 235 courtersy of David Bedingham's maiden century (110); setting a target of 267. NZ ended up winning by 7 wickets and win the series 2-0. History was made for NZ as this was their first Test series win over SA in 18 attempts.
The result is not good - player wise. Apart from Ruan de Swardt, no other debutants during the series really stood out. Nearly all of them put in mediocre performances. There wasn't anyone who has forced their way into the national set-up.
In terms of returning players, only Dane Piedt and Dane Paterson put their hand up for re-selection. Zubayr Hamza did not put in a prolific performance to signal his intent on re-selection. Only Keegan Petersen and (obviously) David Bedingham showed that they should remain in the national side.
All in all, this was not the way to go in terms of facing a strong opposition. What should have been done is to try and persuade the national players who were out of SA20 to go NZ to mentor the "young" and teach them how to handle the enormous pressure that weighed on them representing their country. I would even plea and beg for Dean Elgar to come out of retirement.