However, they have won eight consecutive Test matches at home against Pakistan, and never not won a home series against them since the turn of the century, and in that bilateral context, there remains plenty to play for.

Shan Masood has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Pakistan captain to hit a Test hundred in South Africa. Shan went unbeaten on 102 at stumps on Day 3 after the Men in Green were asked to follow on in the second Test against the Proteas.