Cricket on the crest

AS we all know a year in politics may seem like an eternity, but the same can be said of sport, and particularly cricket. This time last year the Proteas were engulfed in a crisis. Two of their premier players, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw, had cancelled their national contracts to pursue domestic careers in England after signing Kolpak contracts.

They were followed by a host of fringe players that had represented the Proteas over the previous 12 months. The early exit at the ICC Champions Trophy which set the ball rolling for a disastrous tour of England compounded matters.

South African cricket was on its last legs with Cricket South Africa’s “target” or “quota” system being blamed for its rapid demise.

Yet, here at the start of 2018, the Proteas are riding the crest of a wave of euphoria after gaining revenge over World No 1 India on home soil.

Captain Faf du Plessis’s team has played an exciting brand of cricket under new coach Ottis Gibson which blew away the tourists 2-0 with the Wanderers Test still to come.

Better yet, the series has seen the emergence of a new national hero Lungisani Ngidi.

The tall fast bowler – still only 21 years old – enjoyed a most memorable debut on his home ground at Centurion when he claimed six second innings wickets.

To watch Ngidi and his former schoolboy adversary Kagiso Rabada bowling in tandem, while winning games for the Proteas, fully vindicates CSA’s transformation policy .

And even though Rabada for once had to sit back and let Ngidi take all the plaudits, the equally young fast bowler continues to receive worldwide recognition.

It was only recently that he was hailed as the World’s No 1 Test bowler on the ICC rankings.

South African cricket is broadening its net and is becoming stronger as a result. The fact that Ngidi comes from humble beginnings makes his story even more heart-warming.

Long may these young men portray everything that is good about “Protea Fire” for they are the torch-bearers of the nation.