Faf’s T20I break: the good news
The decision to rest Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis for the last two T20Is against Pakistan is an excellent piece of team leadership by the Proteas’ brains trust, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Proteas spin twins stunted
Former Proteas spinner PAT SYMCOX says that it’s unlikely that the national selectors will opt for a double dose of spin at the World Cup, despite Tabraiz Shamsi’s fine form.
Markram cannot be all things to all men
Whether Aiden Markram will be named in South Africa’s World Cup squad remains in the balance. The makings of a solid middle-order option in the ODI XI are there, but a lack of conversion from promising starts to innings of genuine substance have hampered his ambition for a relatively permanent berth, writes Jonhenry Wilson.
AB de Villiers’ new world order
The majority of South Africa’s cricketing public is still smarting from AB de Villiers’ retirement from international cricket last year, writes Jonhenry Wilson.
The Nortje-Sipamla paradox
Two months ago, fast bowler Anrich Nortje was in the middle of a superb stretch of form before injury struck, writes Jonhenry Wilson.
England sideswiped by Windies tsunami
No-one saw the West Indies’ massive 381-run win over England in the first Test at Barbados coming, which is a testament to the intrigue and fascination of Test cricket, as well as the fighting spirit of the West Indies side, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Solid foundations the key to big ODI scores
Hashim Amla copped some flack for ‘slow scoring’ in the first ODI at St George’s Park, but Pakistan’s superb 317-6 at SuperSport Parks offers the ideal blueprint how to put a big score together, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Rassie on the rise
Former Proteas spinner PAT SYMCOX says the emergence of Rassie van der Dussen at international level has thrown a spanner in the works for the selectors.
Beuran bumps ‘Vision 2019’ into next gear
Seamer Beuran Hendricks’ inclusion in South Africa’s squad for this month’s final three ODIs against Pakistan has evidenced a change in gear for the so-called ‘Vision 2019’ of national selection panel convener Linda Zondi and company, writes Jonhenry Wilson.
Sarfaraz caught out by hot mic
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed could be in line for serious sanction by the ICC following an alleged racist comment he made during Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo’s match-winning innings on Tuesday evening, writes SIMON LEWIS.
438 hero Gibbs shocked at ‘go-slow’
Proteas legend Herschelle Gibbs has shared some strong words about the Proteas’ batting approach in the first ODI at St George’s Park, where South Africa lost by five wickets, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Symcox: Pitches weren’t the problem
Former Proteas spinner PAT SYMCOX says Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur was out of line blaming the pitches for his team’s batting woes.
The Duanne King: greatest strike bowler in history
Duanne Olivier came back into the Proteas side like Cinderella, overlooked and hidden away in the 4-Day Series until injuries to two of the established pacemen opened up space for his return to the deadliest bowling attack in Test history, writes SIMON LEWIS.
Faf’s ban a blessing in disguise
Faf du Plessis’ one-match Test ban has angered fans nationwide, but there are positives that can come of this, writes SIMON LEWIS.
‘Vision 2019’ needs clarity, quickly
National selection panel convener Linda Zondi hardly misses an opportunity to reiterate Cricket South Africa’s so-called ‘Vision 2019’, but could be accused of parading excuse as reason, writes JONHENRY WILSON.
