There are so many factors to consider when analysing the current Proteas set-up. With a T20 World Cup looming later this year, CARL LEWIS identifies the biggest talking points from the 3-1 T20I series loss to Pakistan.
M & M
One of the few positives of the series was the form of openers Aiden Markam and Janneman Malan. Both snatched the opportunities afforded them with regulars Quinton de Dock (IPL) and skipper Temba Bavuma (injury) unavailable.
Markram was the second-highest run-scorer behind Babar Azam with 179 runs in four innings, including three 50s at a remarkable strike rate of 182. It feels as if Markam has taken his game to the next level and is finally starting to justify his obvious talent. This can only be good news for a Proteas side desperate for elite batters.
After a score of 70 in the last ODI, Malan backed that up with four promising starts in the T20I series. Scores of 24, 15, 55 and 33 indicate there is a lot of potential to work with. However, he needs to convert those starts into innings of substance. Still a good showing from him and opening partner Markram.
READ: Boucher’s Verreynne rationale is rubbish
Question marks over Boucher
Mark Boucher might have been an icon in his playing days but he is finding this coaching gig a little bit harder. The T20I series loss to Pakistan was his fourth on the trot as Proteas head coach. Added to this, he’s been in charge of 12 series and lost eight of them.
Away from the results, his reasoning for leaving out Kyle Verreynne doesn’t make much sense considering Verreynne’s form compared to Wihan Lubbe and Pite van Biljon, who both got game time in the T20I series.
It’s hard to gauge whether getting rid of Boucher is the right call or not especially in a World Cup year. However, his tenure up until this point has provided very few positives. With the T20 World Cup later this year, the lack of a tangible and coherent plan is concerning.
Lack of leadership
With captain Temba Bavuma out of action and a host of star players in India, the lack of leadership was evident throughout the series as the Proteas struggled with their ‘out-cricket’.
Stand-in captain Heinrich Klaasen’s approach came across as rigid and formulaic. His job was obviously made harder without the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi as options. Also, one of the Proteas’ most experienced bowlers, Andile Phehlukwayo, did not bowl at all in the second and third T20Is – this decision did not make any sense. The 25-year-old is struggling for form and the fact that he did not bowl in two consecutive matches will almost certainly make him feel disillusioned.
They also missed Bavuma, his captaincy of the Lions and handful of international matches, which indicate a willingness to try new things (ie Markram bowling death overs in the ODI series) if plan A does not work. Unfortunately, the Proteas’ lack of creativity and execution while fielding hurt them when trying to defend totals.
Where was Kyle V?
The mind-boggling exclusion of youngster Kyle Verreynne was probably the hottest topic of the series. Pundits and fans were puzzled that he did not get a game in a four-match series where South Africa’s batting lineup looked worryingly thin.
Added to this, Verreynne made an outstanding 62 in the final ODI which everyone assumed would cement him a spot in the T20I side. Let’s not forget that before the Pakistan tour, the Cobras batter had first-class scores of 216* and 109. He is one of the biggest talents in South African cricket right now and the management of his talent is extremely troubling.
Depth in bowling a concern
The Proteas’ three premier fast bowlers are all on IPL duty, so the series was a chance for the reserves to shine. Unfortunately, it did not pan out that way. On batting friendly tracks on the Highveld, Lizaad Williams, Sisanda Magala and Beuran Hendricks all struggled when faced with the aggressive Pakistan batters. All three quicks went for over nine runs per over through the course of the series. Williams did pick up seven wickets while Magala and Hendricks got three each.
Magala, who deservedly got his call-up after years of outstanding death bowling for the Warriors and Lions, struggled to adapt to international cricket and bowled a lot of no-balls. He showed glimpses of his skill set but not consistently so. He deserves another crack at internationals, as does Williams; one series is not enough to judge a player. On the other hand, time in the Proteas set-up might be coming to an end for Hendricks.
