South Africa take on New Zealand tomorrow brimming with confidence after a successful tour of Pakistan.

The Proteas have never been good tourists in the Sub-Continent and have always found the wickets there tough to handle. However, this time, South Africa had prepared well and probable had their best tour in the region.

Victories in both the Tests and one-day matches underlined the commitment and single-mindedness of the South Africans. They even dropped their most experienced player, Shaun Pollock, for the Tests to add variety to their attack.

By setting high standards in all aspects of the game, South Africa proved that they have a good side, which given a bit of luck, could beat any other team in the world.

The best thing that happened was that finally a top-class spinner found a place in the side. Paul Harris, with his left-arm spin, provided both wicket-taking abilities and steadiness.

When required, Harris could hold up one end and put the brakes on the scoring.

Graeme Smith, who has never been a spinner's captain, used Harris well for a change. Smith's overall captaincy was also good and positive.

South Africa's batting also came good with Jacques Kallis leading the way.

Disappointed by being dropped for the Twenty20 World Cup, Kallis was on the verge of even reassessing his commitment to South African cricket. Luckily, he changed his mind and marked his comeback with three centuries in two Tests.

Kallis was head and shoulders above any of the other batsman on the tour. His single-minded approach to the task at hand must be admired. He proved beyond doubt that South Africa cannot do without him in any form of cricket.

The South African top order also clicked and Smith got a century after a long time. Herschelle Gibbs had a decent series and must not be put under pressure even after over 80 Tests for his country.

Hashim Amla had a pretty ordinary series and will come under pressure against the Kiwis. A B DeVilliers was in good form on tour and manouevred the long South African tail well in the absence of Pollock.

The pacemen did well led by Dale Steyn. Makhaya Ntini finally found form towards the end of the tour while Andre Nel maintained high standards.

South Africa have home advantage when they take on the Kiwis. The inclusion of Harris in the team for the first Test is a good sign as South Africa tend to pack their team with pacemen at home.

The Kiwis have struggled on the bouncy pitches and have rarely performed to their full potential.

The absence of former captain Stephen Fleming at the top of the order will be a big blow.

Fleming will be hard to replace as he was a classy performer. He gave solidity to the batting and his strokeplay will be missed, particularly in the one-dayers.

Lou Vincent gets a chance to open again for his team. Vincent is a gritty opener but lacks consistency.

New Zealand's strength lies in their middle and lower order. With captain Daniel Vettori batting as low as number nine, there is depth in the batting.

Ross Taylor gets a chance to prove his talent at Test level. He is the best of the younger New Zealand batsmen and much is expected of him.

It is hoped that Jacob Oram keeps his fitness.

Oram is a devastating hitter of the ball when he gets going and his bowling is incisive.

Shane Bond will be the key bowler along with Vettori on this tour. Bond had a pretty ordinary Twenty20 World Cup and will be hoping to erase that memory very quickly.

The South African wickets will suit his style of bowling.

Vettori is a class spinner and though the wickets in South Africa won't be ideal, he will rely on his accuracy to wear the batsmen down.

On his first Test tour as captain, Vettori knows that South Africa won't be easy to beat. He will have to rely on the fighting spirit of his team to give a good show.

The New Zealanders have been known to surprise even the best teams in the world. Vettori will be praying for that.