Australia in South Africa - A Strange Series

I followed the Autstralia-South Africa tests pretty closely. They were entertaining as hell, but they gave off an odd feeling throughout. And I can't quite figure it out. Was it because both teams were so flawed so as to be evenly matched? I mean, when Australia visited in 2006 they were way better, and when the Saffers won in Australia back in '08 they were clearly the superior side.

Instead of trying to rationalise, I'll put it this way: On the day after South Africa chased 236 at Cape Town, a cousin of mine wagered that Australia would bounce back and win the second test. Somehow, I had the exact same feeling - but in the spirit of a bet I took him on, and now owe him a round of beers. And the fact that I sensed all along I was going to lose, made it feel all the more strange. It was that sort of series.

Gleanings from the two-test series:

I doubt these epics at Newlands and the Wanderers will be forgotten soon. But what about those ODIs and T20s that kicked off the tour - after what followed, does anyone remember, or even care? Hopefully, no more limiting such clashes to two tests.

Basil D'Oliviera and Peter Roebuck, sigh. More reasons not to forget this series. As someone pointed out, how appropriate that Hashim Amla stroked his way to a hundred on the day Basil died.

Choking - there, I said it. There was plenty of it from both sides. 47 all out following a 188-run lead, I might've expected in this series - from South Africa. However, the Saffers certainly played true to form in the second test; I couldn't escape the feeling that their excitement at the possibility of finally beating the Aussies at home (and the accompanying mental issues) got in the way of victory.

Hashim Amla gets my vote for most elegant batsman in the world today. His Kallis-like appetite for runs didn't hurt either, considering the great man had a lean series.

The inclusion of Philander and Tahir has nicely rounded off South Africa's attack. Theirs is the most complete bowling lineup in cricket now, surely?

Brad Haddin was under the microscope all series long, and rightly so, when you consider that atrocious shot as his contribution to the 47. It went almost unnoticed, but his opposite number Mark Boucher had an equally hard time with the bat - is he too on his way out soon?

As a kiwi supporter, I was naturally following the proceedings with bated breath when Australia were 21 for 9, hoping they'd outdo our record low of 26. So you can imagine my frustration at that boundary from Siddle; I wasn't sure whom to be annoyed at - the Saffers for failing to kill things off, or the last-wicket pair for being such hard nuts.

It appears Australia once again have no idea who represents their best opening combination. Watson looks set to drop down the order as an allrounder, Hughes doesn't appear a popular choice, Marsh could even move up, Warner is on the cusp of a test berth and there's even talk of the new panel bringing back Katich. Interesting times ahead.

Ponting seems determined to play until the India series this summer, and I have a feeling he'll make it through. The last innings showed there's fight in the old dog yet.

Michael Clarke's 151. Innings of the series, perhaps the best of the year.

I was a bit sceptical about all the hype surrounding Pat Cummins at first, because Australia have played a wide range of underperforming or unfit pacemen since 2007 in tests - from Tait to George to Hifenhaus to Bollinger. But boy, did he win me over. This kid is the real deal. NZ, beware.

That's about it; one of the few series not involving NZ or India that I've watched closely in recent times. Full value for money and time, and for God's sake let there be more tests on the next tour.