South Africa v Sri Lanka ODIs: Five reasons why South Africa failed

The battle-hardened men from South Africa had travelled to the beautiful and exotic island of Sri Lanka. This journey was made to not only stamp their authority as a leading force in ODI cricket, but also to tame the little Islanders who have had the better of them in the past.

South Africa landed on Lankan shores with a not too enviable record and of having only one win in 11 previous encounters. They had not won an ODI in Sri Lanka since 1993.

History teaches the best of men lessons that should be corrected in order to achieve better results. The smartest men they say look into the past to learn from their mistakes, ensuring a brighter future.

Unfortunately, AB de Villiers and his men will go down as non learners.

Here is a take on some of the reasons that may have contributed to the sinking of the South African ship in the Lankan seas.

5) Injuries and lack of experience

Dale Steyn- arguable the best bowler in all forms of cricket, Hashim Amla- probably the most consistent batsmen in world cricket, were both unavailable for this series.

Though Hashim Amla did play the final two games, most of the damage had already been inflicted on the South African psyche. With Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis also not figuring in the squad, things were looking uphill for the South Africans right from the start. Quality players of their stature are going to be hard to replace.