ONLY 1066 spectators were on hand yesterday to witness South Africa clinch their fifth consecutive test series triumph in emphatic fashion over New Zealand at Axxess St George's in Port Elizabeth.
The small number of fans was understandable considering it was back to work for many people and also that victory over New Zealand looked to be a mere formality.
But still the St George's Park band played on and on, albeit a little off-key yesterday.
In the end, Graeme Smith's team took only 90 minutes to blast the remaining six Black Caps' wickets off the park to wrap up a 2-0 series victory. Both wins were by an innings against a Kiwi side woefully short of the skills required at international level.
South Africa have now won five series in a row with victories over New Zealand (twice), Australia, England and Sri Lanka.
They have not lost a test in more than 12 months and are soaring high as the No1 side in the world.
The last time South Africa lost a series was in 2009 when they were beaten 2-1 by Ricky Ponting's Australia in South Africa.
Smith said at the post-match media conference he was pleased with the way the side had maintained their standards, despite playing weaker opposition.
"I like to think we've outplayed them comprehensively in the series. We've been very professional in all facets bar one or two catches in Cape Town. We've played a really high standard of test cricket.
"Every headline you look at talks about complacency and asks if we are going to be up for our own selves and be able to perform. I think we showed that we are a really good professional outfit. The guys are hungry to do well.
"After coming off two big series away from home, it was very easy for us just to sort of idle along in these two test matches, but we haven't done that."
South Africa now move into a one-day series against New Zealand starting in Paarl on Saturday and then face Pakistan in a three-test series starting on February 1.
"We obviously move forward now testwise to Pakistan which is going to offer new challenges," Smith said.
"It's going to be a very tough series. They are a little bit of an unknown factor.
"They have a few new players. They seem to have some exciting young bowlers. They have obviously also got a good spin attack.
"From an all-round perspective, I think their bowling looks to be a strength.
"They also have some experienced batters and guys who have been here a few times before."
He said teams were never too sure what to expect with Pakistan.
"They have good days and really bad days – much like the French rugby team."
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