Proteas' ugly duckling Test cricket isn't fashionable, but mightily effective

This time last year, there was a collective gnashing of teeth when Australia, who realised they were out of the World Test Championship final race after being ambushed by India at home, conveniently used Covid-19 as an excuse not to honour their tour of South Africa.

South Africa, who were captained by the now Test-retired Quinton de Kock, had just hobbled back from their first tour of Pakistan since 2007 and things didn't go to plan.