Rating Test teams of this decade

2. South Africa – 9.5/10

South Africa was one of the best performing teams in the early parts of this decade but drifted apart eventually due to the transition phase. In the first six series of this decade, their only win came against the West Indies and they drew the rest. Then came the indomitable phase starting from December 2011. The team won six home and away series till the start of 2013.

After this, there was a draw against Pakistan but they bounced back by defeating India at home. In 2014, Australia defeated them 2-1 while playing in South Africa. In the next 17 series after this defeat, the Proteas won 12 series despite the transition phase. Their only losses came against England (x 2), India and Sri Lanka. A series against Bangladesh finished in a draw in between.

The Proteas, however, didn’t finish the decade well. They were whitewashed by both Sri Lanka and India in 2019. The effects of the transition really showed at this stage. Nevertheless, South Africa was easily the most consistent side of the decade and truly owned it.

W/L Ratio: 1.760