This year has again proven the South Africans can negotiate extreme obstacles and maintain success. The Proteas have certainly acquitted themselves well in 2008 while having some controversies to deal with during their campaigns through Pakistan, New Zealand, the Windies, Bangladesh and India and this serves as a testimony of the greatness of the side.

Victory in Pakistan amidst the turmoil of its recent history is one example of this gutsy side and the ruthless dispatching of the minnows of cricket - New Zealand, the West Indies and Bangladesh - is another.

Home and away, the Proteas have done enough to convince their fans that 2008 will end on a high note with only England and Australia remaining on this season's calendar.

'With the Australians rebuilding their squad after the departure of their old stars, the Proteas look the most comprehensive team in 2008'


These two away series will be a tough ask and with the recent Indian tour must represent the toughest tri-nation schedule in the current world of cricket. Proteas fans could justifiably ask which other team within the international cricketing community has faced anything close to this task in 2008.

The simple answer is none. The Proteas have the toughest 2008 by a country mile and there can be no doubting they deserve the ICC No.1 slot should they prevail over the English and the Aussies.

The key to ensuring their continued success is their attitude. The Proteas have worked on the principle of 'ruthlessness' and if you ask any of their past 2008 challengers they'd confirm Graeme Smith and company are not taking prisoners.

AB de Villiers is an unsung hero of 2008 and his peaking is timed to perfection. Graeme Smith has a timely return to form which has underpinned the 2008 season while blazing guns like Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini are filling coffins with some big names of the game.

Sachin Tendulkar, for example, will go into retirement with his lowest averages against the Proteas (38) while Chris Gayle and Craig Cummings will remember more severe bodily harm this season (Andre Nel and Dale Steyn providing bone-crushing express pace to their detriment).

With the Australians rebuilding their squad after the departure of their old stars, the Proteas look the most comprehensive team in 2008. Proteas fans are not too concerned about the English this season but will be monitoring the Kiwis during their three-match series in the UK.

There is many a slip between cup and lip and Graeme Smith cannot afford to take his foot off the pedal until after the Australians have returned for their series at home in South Africa in 2009.

A very long, hard season and a challenge never before seen within the history of cricket. A worthy task for arguably the best team in 2008!