Former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs has reiterated the disappointment of South African fans on the back of a poor campaign at the World Cup in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

The Proteas won just three matches and finished seventh in the tournament’s 10-team standings.

“The body language was disappointing. A lot of people who were observing felt they weren’t trying hard enough,’ he told ESPNcricinfo.

The Proteas beat Australia, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, but lost to Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, England and New Zealand – and shared a washout with the West Indies.

‘It was very disappointing to see how they went about things. I don’t think we expected them to lose so many games,’ added Gibbs.

‘It was heartbreaking. There will obviously be a large inquiry as to what happened and it would be nice to hear some answers, maybe, from one or two of the players.’

Gibbs was recently named head coach of the Rotterdam Rhinos ahead of the inaugural Euro T20 Slam in the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland. Former Proteas fast bowler Hardus Viljoen was drafted by the Rhinos, who also secured Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and others.

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