Former Proteas all-rounder Andrew Hall has insisted South African cricket remove racial transformation targets from selection policy.

Cricket South Africa’s current goal is to have five players of colour, two of whom must be black African, in any Test, ODI or T20I XI.

‘Realistically‚ they should be scrapped. It’s pointless to have quotas and put players under the pressure of having that tag,’ Hall was quoted as saying by Sowetan LIVE.

Batsman Temba Bavuma’s berth in the Test XI has been the subject of plenty of criticism lately. Bavuma averages a modest 33 after 59 Test innings – and has struck just one century.

‘Why does he have to carry the big “Q” around his neck? He’s a superb player. Don’t put that pressure on him. Leave him alone and let him play and he’ll come good and score you runs,’ added Hall.

‘He’s showed time and time again in Test cricket that when the pressure’s on he’s bailed South Africa out of trouble.’

The diminutive right-hander struck a superb century for the Lions in One-Day Cup victory over the Titans at Senwes Park in Potchefstroo recently. He struck a ton on ODI debut against Ireland three years ago – and remains in contention for a berth in the Proteas’ World Cup squad.

Photo: Gallo