Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings

Pakistan “now bat better outside the UAE than in the UAE” said coach Mickey Arthur.

By the end of day two, he was having honest (elite?) conversations with his senior batsmen. Cricket equipment was even rumoured to be thrown across the dressing room.

All it took was two days. Two completed innings in no time. A massive opportunity slipped, which has been the theme of Pakistan in Test cricket recently.

After not even three days, Ramiz Raja was on commentary nowhere near as joyful as he was in Zimbabwe earlier this year. He has called for changes in personnel.

However, amid the Pakistan struggle, no credit should be taken away from South Africa. Their second day onslaught, led by the superb Duanne Olivier blew Pakistan away harder than Mickey Arthur blew up. Olivier hit Pakistan harder than poor Arthur hits his head with those famous head-in-hand moments, and was deserved man of the match as South Africa took a 1-0 series lead.

But, if the Perth pitch gets an “average” rating, what does this one get? In a strange match where both captains bagged pairs, each player will be rated out of ten. As always, it is a light-hearted review of the match!

South Africa:

Dean Elgar: Finished the game with an ice-pack on the arm. Fought very hard on a brutal Johannesburg pitch against India in January, and ends 2018 with a fighting 50 on a tough pitch to help get the Proteas home. Saurabh Shinde tweeted perfection about Elgar. 6

Aiden Markram: Pakistan have a target. South Africa will be hoping they don’t have another Aaron Finch. Markram has to be extra careful about balls coming into his pads, and ensuring he isn’t stuck. An LBW candidate? 2

Hashim Amla: Questions were rife about Hashim Amla’s form in the first innings. Bounced back with a fine unbeaten second innings half century. 6

Theunis de Bruyn: So much potential with de Bruyn. Thought he could match Pakistan’s soft dismissals with his own on the third day. Brilliant catch on day one to see the back of Azhar Ali. 4

Faf du Plessis: My Dream11 Vice Captain bagged a pair. No Christmas presents from Faf for this cricket fan. Gets one point for his catches. And the fact he’s winning captain. 1

Temba Bavuma: Pocket dynamo. Crucial first innings half century kept South Africa right in the game. 7

Quinton de Kock: Three catches and a vital 45 that helped South Africa gain a lead. 7

Keshav Maharaj: As quiet as a mouse at times, but that’s a given on a pace bowler’s paradise. Bowled pretty well in the second innings to help Faf du Plessis rotate his quicks. 3

Kagiso Rabada: Wickets are a given with this guy. But, some of his strokeplay in the first innings was sublime. New batting coach for Pakistan? 8

Dale Steyn: Became South Africa’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker. A legend. Bowled with good pace right throughout the Test despite a below average first innings display. Scored important runs as night watchman. This man still has plenty to offer. 7

Duanne Olivier: No Vernon Philander. No Lungi Ngidi. No problem. This man was brought in as a replacement, but led the attack. Hustled Pakistan with pace and aggression at all times. South Africa have a gem, but when will his next Test be? An excellent bowler. A brilliant performance. 10

Pakistan:

Imam-ul-Haq: Really classy second innings half century. When he was bowled, it was almost as if he knew what was coming afterwards… 6

Fakhar Zaman: Fakhar might have had a sleepless night after picking out the only man on the leg side boundary on a bowling paradise. What a way to get out. Twin 12’s. Won’t get 12/10 from me, though. 3

Shan Masood: One of the lesser experienced players, but arguably the player who showed greatest temperament. Out in very unlucky fashion in the first innings, and quickly ran out of partners in the second. Looked very composed. A couple of the others could learn a thing or two. 7

Azhar Ali: One of the “soft” dismissals coach Arthur was fuming about. Start in the first innings, but Pakistan need more from Azhar. 4

Asad Shafiq: A 2018 Test record about as attractive as his second innings shot. His only saving grace will be if Haris Sohail is out of the second Test, too. Otherwise, Mickey Arthur might physically throw him to the bench. 1

Babar Azam: “How did Pakistan get to 181?” I was asked. One answer. Babar Azam. This man is subject to Twitter arguments that often “cross limits”, but there is little doubt that he is finding his feet in Test Cricket. 7

Sarfraz Ahmed: Pressure rising as high as Mickey Arthur’s blood pressure. Would Sarfraz be in the side if he wasn’t captain? His form certainly doesn’t warrant it. His coach has every reason to be frustrated. Fans, too. He is not delivering with the bat or as captain. This could very be his last series as Test captain. It should be. 0

Mohammad Amir: Four first innings wickets. Most pleasing was his ability to move the ball at pace. Will be a key part of the Pakistan effort to level the series. 8

Hasan Ali: Good in some moments, not so in others. Will there be reason for “boom” for Pakistan this series? Can he take all ten wickets? Who knows. 6.5

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Had moments where his inexperience showed, but there is little doubt this kid is a special bowler. Pace, height and accuracy. He has it all. Will Pakistan manage him properly? 8

So, Pakistan didn’t quite bat better than in the UAE.

They didn’t have much to beat, either, given they couldn’t chase 176 from 130/3 or bat 70 odd overs on a good track to save a Test. There is much to ponder for Pakistan.

Also, there are things to ponder for South Africa. Victory for them doesn’t mean it was a perfect performance, with their batting needing improvement.

What will the second Test hold?

Thanks for reading!

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Player Ratings