The 2018 Test series between South Africa and Australia was marked by controversy when Australian players were found to have used sandpaper to tamper with the ball, leading to a significant fallout. However, amidst the scandal, several notable achievements by the Proteas were overshadowed. Vernon Philander, who claimed his 200th Test wicket in the last match of that series, expressed sadness that the incident eclipsed the team's great cricket.
The 2018 series was historic for South Africa as it marked their first series win against Australia on home soil post-isolation. Aiden Markram emerged as the top run-scorer, scoring two centuries, one half-century, and accumulating 480 runs in the series. AB De Villiers also had a remarkable series, passing 50 in five of his eight innings and scoring a century at St George's Park, which he considers one of his finest displays.
The series also witnessed significant milestones for Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. Morkel became the fifth South African bowler to take 300 wickets after dismissing Shaun Marsh in Australia's first innings at Newlands. In the next match, Philander claimed his 200th Test wicket during a stunning second innings spell, taking 6/21. Both Morkel and De Villiers retired after that series, marking the end of an era for South African cricket.
Philander reflected on the achievements of his teammates, stating that the team celebrated Morkel's 300 wickets and his own 200th wicket, despite the external noise surrounding the sandpaper incident. He emphasized that these moments were cherished by the team, but unfortunately, they were overshadowed by the controversy for the public.
Ahead of the upcoming series, coaches and players from both teams have sought to douse any lingering ill-feeling. Australian captain Pat Cummins stated that his team has moved on from the incident and is focused on the present. The series also marks a reunion for several players who were part of the 2018 series, including Markram, Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has called for local fans to be partisan in their support but to show respect to the Australian team. He emphasized that respect is at the heart of everything they do, and fans should give the opposition a bit of grief respectfully. Conrad also acknowledged that the Australian team's behavior in the 2018 series was a different level of desperation, which affected the dynamics of the series.
The upcoming series between the top two Test teams in the world promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams seeking to make a statement. The hope is that what happens on the field will dominate and live long in the memory, overshadowing the controversy of the past.
Key points
- The 2018 series between South Africa and Australia was marked by controversy, but also saw notable achievements by the Proteas, including milestones for Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander.
- The upcoming series marks a reunion for several players who were part of the 2018 series, and both teams seek to move forward from the controversy.
- Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has called for local fans to be partisan in their support but to show respect to the Australian team.
