Trailing by a margin that was not much less than what they scored in the first innings, the Bangladeshi’s could have been forgiven for not believing they could make South Africa bat again. However, an eventful start by Ashraful and Khan got a start through some very indifferent bowling by Willoughby and Adams and then threw it away. It has become a feature of the Bangladesh batting that they can self-destruct just when they need to keep going.

Wanting an early finish and a break from the humidity, the Proteas continually kept the door open and when it all ended, captain Smith was elated with his first win. It was only the fourth time in the history of the Test cricket that a team has only lost two wickets in a Test match and won the match. The previous three times were all achieved by England.

The pick of the bowlers throughout the match was Paul Adams. His haul of wickets will give him the necessary confidence going into the second Test. He produced the goods when he had to.

While the Proteas may have won the match convincingly, they certainly need to take cognisance of many issues that need to correcting even they are to compete with stronger opposition. No doubt Graeme Smith will address the necessary issues prior to the start of the next Test.

The opening attack of Pollock and Ntini will always hold their own in any company, but Willoughby looked out of his sorts. Swinging the new ball is one thing but not having any pace to go with it makes him an easy target on pitches that are true and conducive to stroke making. Dawson is an honest performer who will always give the attack some variation with his subtle changes of pace and immaculate line. Smith himself could also bring the aspect of off spin to the bowling attack and the last wicket of the Test that fell was due to a good delivery from him.

Bangladesh will need to regroup and work out how they can build on a performance that will surely have given the powers that be a glimmer of hope. Their strength lies in the spinners and they just never were able to make in-roads into the South African batting order. Alok Kapali was totally ineffective by Rudolph and Dippenaar and this would be their biggest concern.

This Test was the eighth Test win in a row for the Proteas and starts off a process for Graeme Smith. While he is still learning about playing on foreign conditions and his role of captain, many aspects were extremely positive. The manner in which the team changed their strategy when required was very evident. The delay in taking the new ball when it was due showed that Smith was prepared to back Adams to do the necessary shows that he has begun to change the mindset of a team accustomed to relying on the pace bowlers at every opportunity.

Winning a Test against any opposition is an achievement and the South Africans can be proud of their achievement. Certainly Rudolph and Dippenaar will long be remembered for the partnership they achieved and the way they maintained their concentration and composure in extreme conditions.

With some time off between the Tests it is a great opportunity to do some sightseeing and to catch up on some work.

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