South Africa’s best Test XI in 40 years – Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in, Faf du Plessis out and no specialist spinner
South Africa have only been back in international cricket since the early nineties, when they made their return with a one-off Test against the West Indies in 1992, so as much as this is a greatest XI of the last 40 years it only covers the last 33.
That time has seen a host of incredible players don the famous green and gold of the Proteas, and there are some players who are very unlucky to miss out on selection here.
Without a doubt it will be controversial that players like Faf du Plessis and Shaun Pollock don’t make the side. There is also no space for a spinner – but traditionally that hasn’t been a strength for South Africa.
Now, As South Africa prepare to face Australia in the final of the World Test Championship, which will run from 11 to 15 June, let’s look at our best Proteas Test XI from the last 40 years – it’s a side that includes two current players who will be turning out at Lords in June.
1. Graeme Smith (captain)
113 Tests as opener | 9,018 runs | Average: 49.54
No one embodied South African resilience and fighting spirit quite like Graeme Smith. Thrust into the captaincy at just 22, Smith led the Proteas for over a decade, becoming one of the most respected skippers in Test history.
His ability to grind out tough runs at the top of the order was crucial in many of South Africa’s greatest wins, with his monumental 277 against England a testament to his endurance and class.
2. Herschelle Gibbs
68 Tests as opener | 5,242 runs | Average: 47.22
Flamboyant, fearless, and immensely talented, Herschelle Gibbs was a game-changer at the top of the order. Capable of taking apart any bowling attack, Gibbs’ stroke play was mesmerizing when he was in full flow.
His highest Test score of 228, made against Pakistan, showcased his ability to dominate attacks over long innings. Gibbs and Smith formed one of the most successful ever opening partnerships for South Africa, and while Gary Kirsten is unlucky to miss out on selection, his average was lower than Gibbs’.
3. Hashim Amla
107 Tests at number 3 | 7,993 runs | Average: 49.95
A modern great, Hashim Amla brought grace and composure to South Africa’s batting lineup. His hunger for runs and ability to bat for long periods made him one of the Proteas’ most reliable batsmen.
His unbeaten 311 against England remains the highest individual Test score by a South African and a perfect example of his patience and class. A testament to Amla’s class is that he boasts a better average than Jacques Kallis at number three.
4. Jacques Kallis
111 Tests at number 4 | 9,033 runs | Average: 61.86 | 291 wickets | Average: 32.63
Arguably the greatest all-rounder of all time, Jacques Kallis was the backbone of South African cricket for over a decade. With over 9000 runs at an average above 60 and nearly 300 wickets, his contributions with both bat and ball were unmatched. A true match-winner, Kallis was indispensable in all conditions.
His batting average of four is remarkable and his presence in this team takes it from good to great. Although it is not struggling for bowlers, having Kallis available as a bowler gives the side an incredible balance and depth.
5. AB de Villiers
57 Tests at number 5 | 3,913 runs | Average: 62.11
Few batsmen have had the ability to switch gears like AB de Villiers. Whether it was grinding out a patient innings or playing audacious attacking shots, he was a genius with the bat.
His 278* against Pakistan remains one of the greatest innings by a South African. An outstanding fielder, a leader and an entertainer, AB de Villiers walks into this team.
6. Temba Bavuma
18 Tests at number 6 | 1,059 runs| Average: 50.42
Perhaps a controversial selection, but current skipper Temba Bavuma is a player whose impact goes beyond statistics, Temba Bavuma is a symbol of determination and perseverance. His ability to play crucial innings under pressure has made him an important figure in the modern South African setup.
His maiden Test century against England remains a landmark moment in South African cricket. He has batted up and down the order for South Africa, but his most effective position has been at six where an average of over 50 sees him beat off competition from the likes of Faf du Plessis and Jonty Rhodes.
7. Brian McMillan
17 Tests at number 7 | 1,051 runs | Average: 58.38 | 75 wickets | Average: 33.82
A versatile all-rounder, Brian McMillan provided South Africa with a valuable mix of solid middle-order batting and effective seam bowling.
His ability to score runs at crucial moments and break partnerships made him a key figure in the early days of South Africa’s return to Test cricket. He was an outstanding slip fielder, and he brought menace to the field with his glowering presence and aggression.
8. Mark Boucher (wicketkeeper)
43 Tests at number 8 | 1,370 runs | Average: 38.05
One of the finest wicketkeepers of all time, Mark Boucher was a rock behind the stumps for South Africa. His sharp glovework and ability to play crucial lower-order knocks made him an invaluable asset to the team.
His leadership skills and fighting spirit were crucial in many of South Africa’s greatest triumphs. South Africa have had several outstanding keepers over the period under review – think Quinton de Kock and Dave Richardson, but Boucher is the standout.
9. Dale Steyn
93 Tests | 439 wickets | Average: 22.95
A fast-bowling great, Dale Steyn terrorized batsmen with his raw pace, lethal outswingers, and incredible ability to generate reverse swing.
At his peak, Steyn was virtually unplayable, capable of dismantling any batting lineup. His impact on South African cricket is immeasurable.
10. Kagiso Rabada
70 Tests | 327 wickets | Average: 22.00
The spearhead of the current South African attack, Kagiso Rabada has already cemented his place among the greats. His ability to generate express pace, movement, and bounce makes him a nightmare for batsmen.
With plenty of years still ahead of him, Rabada could go down as one of the all-time greats. Rabada boasts a better average than both Steyn and Donald.
11. Allan Donald
72 Tests | 330 wickets | Average: 22.25
Nicknamed “White Lightning,” Allan Donald was South Africa’s first true fast-bowling superstar after readmission. His blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy made him a feared bowler worldwide.
His fierce battles with some of the game’s best batsmen remain legendary – his duel with Mike Atherton at the Wanderers is still regarded as an all-time classic – even if he came out on the wrong side of that battle.
12. Jonty Rhodes
52 Tests | 2532 runs | HS: 117 | Average: 35.66
Officially a batsman, Rhodes was so much more than that. He was the heartbeat of the early Proteas teams, a dynamo in the field and a nuggety, body-on-the-line batsman in the middle order.
Electric between the wickets Jonty Rhodes was the always the sort of player you wanted on your side.
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