5 reasons why South Africa are the best touring side in the world

South Africa, currently, are placed at the very top of the ICC test rankings, 7 points ahead of second-placed Australia. They were also No.1 in the ODI rankings until very recently. There is a reason, then, why the Proteas are respected around the world as the most consistent cricketing nation going around.Unlike India, England or even Australia, South Africa have never really had a dip in form for an extended period. Remaining unbeaten away from home over a period of no less than 8 years, during one of the most competitive phases of Test cricket, is quite an achievement.Here are 5 reasons behind their success:

#1 Batsmen capable across all conditions

The South African team, in recent years, have boasted of three batsmen in Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers who can lay claim to being the best in the business. They have been pillars of their batting line-up, and ensured that South Africa remain competitive across the world, because of their supreme efficiency against both pace and spin.

They have been successful in countries like Australia, known for bounce, India and Sri Lanka, where the ball could turn square, and England, where the ball could really talk not just in the air and but also off the pitch.

In recent years, the team has also kept replenishing its batting strength with players like JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis, who provide solid support to the core of the batting unit, thereby ensuring intense competition for places in the batting unit. Since 2009, Amla averages 74, Smith and AB just a touch under 50, Duminy a shade over 50, while Kallis averages 60 when playing away from home, a phenomenal stat which, perhaps, explains why South Africa have done so well in overseas conditions.