The celebrations at Newlands were deserved. Coming from behind to beat Australia over three Tests takes nerve, skill and the ability to recover when a match seems to be slipping away. South Africa showed all three.

Now comes a different challenge: winning the series everyone expects them to win.

Bangladesh visit the Wanderers from 15 November before the second Test begins at SuperSport Park on 23 November. For Temba Bavuma’s side, those two matches offer a chance to turn the excitement of the Australian series into further progress towards another World Test Championship final.

South Africa occupy two different positions worth distinguishing. They are No 1 in the ICC Test team rankings, but second in the current WTC standings, with 71.43% of the available points. The world champions have put themselves in a strong position to defend their title. Qualification remains unfinished business.

With five wins from seven matches in this cycle, a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh would lift their percentage to 77.78%, assuming no over-rate penalties. That is the immediate prize: two home victories and more breathing room in the race for the final.

There is good reason to expect them.

The most encouraging part of the Australia series was the range of players who influenced its outcome. At Newlands, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder made second-innings centuries, sharing 154 for the sixth wicket after South Africa had conceded a first-innings lead of 100.

Those were runs scored with the series in danger. Rickelton’s 101 and Mulder’s 115 gave the bowlers something to defend and offered further evidence that this batting order can find answers under pressure.

There is still work for the top order. South Africa were 181-5 when Mulder joined Rickelton, and relying on another rescue act would be a precarious way to approach the next series. Earlier partnerships would give an already formidable attack greater freedom.

Tony de Zorzi’s return from a hamstring injury and Zubayr Hamza’s inclusion give Conrad more batting options. The question is how best to use them while retaining the confidence earned against Australia.

The bowling presents an equally interesting discussion.

Kagiso Rabada left Newlands with 350 Test wickets, reaching the landmark in fewer deliveries than any bowler before him. Simon Harmer took 6-16 in Australia’s second innings and 10 wickets in the match. South Africa won by 176 runs because they could hurt Australia through pace and spin.

That variety is valuable, even with the series moving to the Highveld.

Anrich Nortje returns after a groin injury, adding to a seam group containing Rabada, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Mulder and Corbin Bosch. Lungi Ngidi remains unavailable while continuing his rehabilitation.

Conrad has indicated a greater emphasis on seam bowling for these conditions, while acknowledging that the Wanderers has recently offered assistance to spin. With Harmer and Keshav Maharaj both available, the balance of the attack deserves careful thought. Harmer’s Newlands performance gives that discussion particular weight.

Bangladesh’s quicks should also find encouragement in the bounce. South Africa’s batsmen will face their own examination against the new ball, and the hosts would do well to remember how quickly a difficult first session can change a Test.

The Proteas begin this series with plenty in their favour: home conditions, a varied attack and batsmen who have just helped overturn a series deficit against Australia.

The standard has been established. At the Wanderers and Centurion, the task is to meet it again.

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images