Morne, Imran shine as JP and Wayne flounder
WITH the ICC Champions Trophy now a thing of the past for South Africa, we look back at the tournament performances of each player during their ill-fated Group B fixtures.
AB de Villiers: He came into the tournament feeling bullish about his team’s chances, but that optimism proved desperately misguided. Looked like a man under pressure, be it peer or personal, and his lack of runs and dynamism in the middle-order hurt the team. Looked in ominous touch on Sunday, but his run-out – and the subsequent meltdown – summed up what he still symbolises in the team. Questions persist about him being the right man to lead the side, given that batting greats like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar were infinitely better without the added strain of leadership. It’s a question he may do well to ask himself over the winter, as he now has just one, big tournament left in him. 2/10.
Quinton de Kock: The wicketkeeper-batsman came into the Champions Trophy in good touch, and was expected to show the form that culminated in him being named ICC One-Day Player of the Year for 2016. Given his record against sub-continent teams, a return of one, stuttering half-century is a poor return. He looked to be playing under instructions against India, which goes against everything that he brings to the table. 4.
Hashim Amla: He started the tour with the assurance of old, driving and flicking his way to 7 000 ODI runs in record time. With that platform for the rest of the tour to England, and then the century against Sri Lanka, it looked as if he was the rock upon which many a victory would be built once more. However, the opening game was as good as it got, despite showing promise in each knock subsequent to that. Like many in the side, he needs to get selfish again, and not leave the runs to be scored by someone to come. 5.
Faf du Plessis: Another who would admit that his run return didn’t do justice to the form he was in coming into the event. Du Plessis has been tasked with a two-fold role at No 3: consolidate in the face of early setbacks, or go through the gears if the game is set up. He did that against Sri Lanka at The Oval, his 75 going a long way to easing tension and securing an opening win. However, his tournament will be remembered for two run-outs he was a part of against India. He has admitted he misjudged the single and crucially ran out De Villiers, and the picture of he and David Miller scrambling for the same popping crease has already gone viral. It was a snapshot of SA tournament cricket, and it doesn’t look pretty. 3.
JP Duminy: Another meagre return from a man whose talent is clearly apparent. Duminy’s 38 not out against Sri Lanka was useful, given that he pushed his side towards the safety of 300. However, useful contributions are supposed to be the daily bread of bowlers who bat a bit, not your cast-iron No 5. A nation was ready to overlook dozens of false Duminy dawns, if he delivered just one parachute job against Pakistan or India. None came forth. 2.
David Miller: Long acknowledged as a blaster of the sincerest quality, he revealed another side to his game against Pakistan. Given the circumstances, his half-century was worth three figures to his team. He showed restraint and even relish for a task that was as close to Test cricket as he has come. As all else fell around him, he stood firm. However, that same composure went walkabout against India, when he charged off for a single only he could explain. 6.
Chris Morris: The team’s main all-rounder was solid, but the spectacular that he is known for was missed much. His bowling, which is his main gig, still lacks control at times, though he does have the knack of taking wickets. With the bat, he found himself in far sooner than he is accustomed to, though he did provide stout support to Miller against Pakistan. 5.
Wayne Parnell: The second coming by the left-armer seemed to be on track against England at Lord’s, but he lost the radar again soon after. Along with Duminy, he must rate as one of South African cricket’s great mysteries; a man of considerable talent, but only shows it in patches. Selectors eventually lost patience after his showing against Pakistan, where he bowled two lengths when defending a total that demanded a miserly touch. 2.
Kagiso Rabada: Came into the tournament as the number one bowler in the world, and was largely treated as such by the opposition. That respect meant not too many risks being taken with the young tearaway, but he will be disappointed that he didn’t strike more often. Bowled with real gas at times, but he would have wanted that to translate to wickets. 5.
Morne Morkel: He’s back. After the injuries, the lay-off, and the doubts about his future, Morkel ran in like the wind and was the handful of old. His opening spell against Pakistan nearly snatched a game that the Proteas didn’t deserve, and they may well rue not bowling Morkel through on that occasion. His pace was up, his length fuller, and fingers will be crossed that he maintains all that and his fitness for the Test series. 7.
Imran Tahir. Brilliant against Sri Lanka, bubbled over against Pakistan, and never gave up against India. How South Africa wish Tahir was 28, not 38, because he plays with enough desire to charge up a power station. Tahir loves taking wickets for his country, and he did so against Sri Lanka, to finish off a game that was not as straightforward as the final result suggested. Possibly tried too hard against Pakistan – understandably – but his fielding that day was such a revelation that his native countrymen couldn’t recognise him. Never had enough runs to play with against India, but he scrapped to the bitter end. 6. Andile Phehlukwayo. Youngster of much potential replaced Parnell for the final game, which was a tough baptism of fire against India. Looked nervy with the bat, and didn’t make many runs. On the field, he was fairly solid, but was beaten by the bounce on the fence, to the delight of the Indian revellers behind him. With ball in hand, he held his nerve against a rampant Virat Kohli. 4.
Keshav Maharaj, Dwaine Pretorius and Farhaan Behardien did not play a game.