Markram emerges as Proteas’ unlikely anchor

In the absence of Faf du Plessis, Aiden Markram’s form will be absolutely crucial to the Proteas at the T20 World Cup, writes RYAN VREDE.

Lack of domestic batting quality frightening

The CSA Provincial T20 Knock Out has exposed glaring deficiencies across the board in our cricket, most notably in our batting. It is going to cost the Proteas dearly in the years ahead. An intervention is urgently needed and it starts with Graeme Smith, writes RYAN VREDE.

Strength of World Cup challenge rests on Proteas bowlers

Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi are the foil to a misfiring batting lineup. They will be the foundation upon which any strong World Cup challenge is built, writes RYAN VREDE. 

The ‘us’ and ‘them’ gulf in cricket has never been wider

England, Australia, India and, most recently, New Zealand have reiterated that they are the game’s controlling quartet. The International Cricket Council is powerless to curb their behaviour, the most recent examples of which robbed Pakistan of life-giving tours, writes RYAN VREDE. 

Maharaj shows up as potential Test skipper

It only took a chance opportunity for Keshav Maharaj to push his name to the forefront of the candidates to succeed Dean Elgar as Test skipper, writes RYAN VREDE.

The coaching crisis that threatens cricket’s future

The appointment of ex-Proteas players to key international coaching positions despite most having a complete lack of experience is perplexing and potentially damaging for the game. It’s time we start giving elite coaching the respect and attention it deserves, writes RYAN VREDE. 

Set expectations low for Proteas’ World Cup campaign

The T20 World Cup has come a year and a coach too soon for the Proteas, writes RYAN VREDE.

Linde’s omission a dark moment in SA cricket

There is no cricket reason for George Linde’s omission. His treatment is an indictment of the selectors’ competency, writes RYAN VREDE.

Watch: Proteas ODI woes need coaching intervention

The Proteas are too talented an ODI side to be this inconsistent. The pressure is on their coaches now.

Steyn’s legacy is far more than wickets

Dale Steyn’s standing as one of the game’s greatest fast bowlers is indisputable. Yet his greatness extends beyond that and was rooted in his ability to retain an identity that wasn’t corrupted by what he did professionally, writes RYAN VREDE.  

All eyes on Smith, De Villiers’ response as SJN nears critical point

Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers’ responses to allegations made against them at the Social Justice and Nation Building hearings will define the success or failure of this process, writes RYAN VREDE.

Boucher’s time is up, he must go now

Mark Boucher’s tenure as head coach of the Proteas must end in the wake of him lying about racially offensive behaviour, failing to lead decisively on issues of race and Enoch Nkwe’s resignation for being undermined, writes RYAN VREDE.  

Boucher’s stance a step towards chaos

Mark Boucher being prepared to litigate the accusation of him being part of singing a racist song about Paul Adams is emotionally immature and sets a precedent which significantly undermines any steps towards racial reconciliation in South African cricket, writes RYAN VREDE.

Proteas are some way off world’s best Test sides

The series between England and India has highlighted the gulf that exists between the Proteas and the format’s elite, writes RYAN VREDE. 

India’s pace attack has banished ghosts of the past

For an India pace attack to be at the heart of beating England at Lords spoke volumes of their rise in Test cricket. India’s fearless investment in them has reaped massive reward, writes RYAN VREDE.