A look back at some of the SACricketMag.com stories that piqued the most interest during the second month of the year.
Olivier signs Kolpak deal with Yorkshire
- This time last month, Proteas seamer Duanne Olivier was being labelled as arguably the greatest strike bowler in Test history. Four weeks later, he has joined countryman Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw and several others who have exchanged international careers for Kolpak contracts.
- From the Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League to Indian Premier League and T20 Blast in the United Kingdom, former captain AB de Villiers’ decision to snub the Proteas for several stints in domestic limited-overs competitions around the world continues to cop criticism.
We need to talk about Chris Morris
- South Africa’s ongoing search for the right fit at number seven in the batting order ahead of the World Cup is a conundrum, indeed. While fellow all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder remain in contention, Morris probably does not.
Also read: January 2019 in review – six of the best stories
Root: Nothing wrong with being gay
- Stump microphones are quick to reveal unsavoury remarks exchanged by international cricketers. Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was banned for a racial slur to Phehlukwayo – and West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has since been punished for a homophobic remark to England batsman Joe Root.
‘I thought I was the worst captain on the planet’
- Batsman David Miller captained South Africa’s T20I XI in the absence of regular skipper Faf du Plessis at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The hosts won the match, but Miller’s leadership wasn’t entirely convincing. That’s according to the man himself, of course.
Bavuma the rock of SA’s batting line-up
- Diminutive right-hander Temba Bavuma has been the subject of unfounded criticism, but this in-depth look at statistics and figures – laced with some opinion – reveals intriguing results. Perhaps he is not a so-called ‘quota’ player after all.
Photo: Gallo
