If not Markram, then Maharaj
Since South Africa’s readmission to international cricket, 10 of the 12 men to captain the national team in Test cricket have been top-order batsmen.
Smith devising own template for minefield
The decision to give Graeme Smith a two-year contract for the role of director of cricket has, for the most part, gone down well with fans and pundits alike.
SA cricket immune to coronavirus?
While sporting events around the world are being cancelled or postponed due to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, South African cricket continues – arguably ignorantly.
Fresh, sustainable middle order
South Africa have been through a few awkward middle-order options over the years, but can certainly settle on Kyle Verreynne and Heinrich Klaasen for the foreseeable future.
Cricket South Africa’s disservice to Magala
Cricket South Africa is not doing Sisanda Magala or his public profile any favours by keeping him in the limited-overs squads, but ruling him out of match time for this month’s England series.
Correct ODI squad, seven months too late
The Proteas squad for next month’s three ODIs against England bears an awkward resemblance to what fans, pundits and critics alike wanted at the 2019 World Cup.
Paterson – If not, why not?
The decision to have Dane Paterson stay with the Proteas in between the second and third Tests against England, instead of returning to the 4-Day Domestic Series with the Cape Cobras, suggests another debut in Port Elizabeth.
Pretorius transforms SA cricket
Two years ago, Kyle Abbott quit the Proteas in favour of a Kolpak contract. Two years later, Duanne Olivier did the same.
Moroe does not rhyme with Chernobyl
Former chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat’s comparison of Cricket South Africa’s recent problems to the Chernobyl disaster is awful, but has typified all the associated and unnecessary racket.
More to it than Miller’s mental state
David Miller’s recent remarks are a timely reminder that South African cricket is not exempt from mental health struggles.
Markram and Cook – same but different
Criticism of Aiden Markram is premature. He is still the right man to open South Africa’s batting order alongside Dean Elgar in Test cricket. The Proteas don’t really have an alternative during the ongoing series against India, unless Theunis de Bruyn or Temba Bavuma are elevated to the top of the order. De Bruyn opened the batting, unsuccessfully, on Test… Read more →
The making of Muthusamy
Positional and personnel preferences have been a predictable theme ahead of this week’s second Test in Pune. Senuran Muthusamy, however, has risen above the obvious.
MSL right as other leagues go wrong
The underwhelming international marquee players added to the Mzansi Super League – and postponement of the Euro T20 Slam – are more awkward indications of an overloaded Twenty20 cricket calendar.
Rassie benefits from Proteas’ problems
Cricket South Africa performed excellent public relations work this week. The timing of Rassie van der Dussen’s addition to the national contract list has encouraged a nation reeling from the Test retirement of Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla’s decision to quit all forms of the international game.
CSA’s restructure rules out pretenders
Corrie van Zyl’s statement that Ottis Gibson’s successor will be employed as ‘a combination of the old team manager and head coach’ has ruled several pretenders out of contention.
