Proteas management need to deal with some issues

IT seems churlish to pose what may be seen as negative questions following South Africa's outstanding performances in winning both the test and one-day international series in Sri Lanka for the first time.

Yet, despite their success, there remain several issues for the selectors and coach Russell Domingo to consider as the team moves forward, in particular focusing on the World Cup in Australia next year.

The first one which should occupy their minds is the position of legspinner Imran Tahir, who remains an enigma in test cricket and could claim only four wickets in spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka. In comparison, leading Lankan spinners Rangana Herath (12) and Dilruwan Perera (16) took 28 between them.

Clearly, it is unfair to compare Tahir to two spinners with intimate knowledge of the conditions, yet the SA bowler continues to confuse us. Capable of brilliant bowling at times, he seems too often to descend into mediocrity and ineffectiveness in the test arena.

His variety makes him a valuable member of the limited overs teams, but much work needs to be done in the longer form of the game.

The Sri Lankan view is that Tahir is not accurate enough to create the necessary pressure. "We would just block out the good balls and wait for the loose deliveries," one of them was quoted as saying.

It is a valid point. Shane Warne became the best spinner the world has seen because of his extraordinary control. Until Tahir can combine that with his wicket-taking ability, the jury will remain out on his test berth.

The batsmen will also be seeking greater consistency.

In the first innings of the second test, four of the top-order batsmen produced six runs between them. It put them on the back foot and only their supreme fighting qualities earned them a series triumph.

Alviro Petersen needs to show he can nail down a spot at the top of the batting order, while it may also be time to consider using Quinton de Kock in his more natural opening berth.

And what about using Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers at three and four? They are world-class players and moving them one up the order is surely worth considering.

Jacques Kallis's retirement from international cricket has removed a tricky decision for the selectors and Domingo can begin preparing for the limited overs season without that conundrum hanging over his head.

With regard to Domingo, he and his management team must receive some of the accolades for the team's Sri Lankan success. Many critics are quick to pick them out when things go wrong, and that goes with the job. But equally, they should receive credit when it is due.