Makhaya Ntini, Jacques Kallis and Paul Adams - all in their early 20's - are rapidly becoming pillars on which future South African teams will be built. It is interesting that all three come from different racial groups and have come to Test cricket in different ways. It is a comfort for all South African crickets lovers to see them blossom as players.

Ntini looked out of his depth in Australia earlier this year despite a good initial one-day performance against New Zealand in Perth. But not any more. He has worked hard on his physique without losing any of his lithe athleticism.

Malcolm Marshall has been his role model and their actions are not dissimilar. Gone is the pure raw pace, to be replaced by attention to detail, with the seam upright and the wrist nicely cocked behind the ball. The net result is a compact, rhythmical and high action which ensures more control of length and will, of course, be more productive. He had good pace, around 82mph on the speed check, which is up there with all bar Allan Donald. His increased ability to land the ball on the seam regularly makes him a threat, even on a pitch as slow as this. If he continues to progress at this rate he is sure to be a feature of the attack. Kallis, too, has proved his worth with both bat and ball. His progress as an all-rounder, with a batting bias, complements Shaun Pollock who is so exciting but whose main weapon is his wonderful bowling. As a pair it gives flexibility and balance to any side and makes a captain's job so much easier.

Kallis's batting is more mature because his shot selection is improving. He is young, has a vast range of strokes and plays them at well-chosen times, which is the key to his current success. He is now patient enough to wait for the right ball and there is no doubt his present, modest, Test record is set to improve.

Adams has bowled well throughout the tour and poses problems to all but the very best. He is working on a new delivery that moves into the right hander, which will be a welcome addition to his armoury. He hasn't had the confidence to bowl it in a match yet but once developed it could mean his best is still to come. The trio reflect a new age of South African cricket and they will provide many moments of pride for the Rainbow Nation.