Last man standing
UR national cricket team have somehow bounced back rather nicely at Trent Bridge, after a battering at the hands of hosts, England, at Lords in the first of a vital four-match Test series.
Print deadlines prevent me from commenting on the final outcome but things were looking pretty good for our boys after the return of skipper Faf du Plessis. However, that initial loss is cause for concern and showcased various chinks in the team’s armour.
The first aspect that struck me after the Lord’s game was the lack of legends within the current set-up. Our historic series wins on the same shores, in 2008 and 2012, had a serious sprinkling of stardust with the likes of heroic leader Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers (who seems to have abandoned the Test team), Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Mark Boucher gracing the team. Sadly the current squad is devoid of such legends. Hashim Amla may possibly be the last man standing in that regard.
The current group also has a worryingly inexperienced feel to it. The likes of Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo haven’t even played a game yet. Theunis de Bruyn, Heino Kuhn and Duanne Olivier have played six matches among them, while Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, Chris Morris and Quinton de Kock are still relatively green as well. This all adds up to a huge amount of inexperience.
Furthermore, our assistant coaches, Neil Mckenzie and Charl Langeveldt, are not of international standard. We can easily employ two adequate replacements who have not only achieved as players but as coaching staff as well. I doubt either even have official coaching licenses as they were immediately thrust into the team after being (average) players themselves.
If I am allowed to further add to the gloom, our official selection policy also hurts the team from time to time. The perfect example proving this theory is none other than Jean Paul Duminy.
Years of poor form, low averages and inconsistency have been constantly rewarded with first team selection. I wonder why?
This logically affects the team as a whole. Finally some sense has prevailed with his axing but there is no guarantee this will not happen again.
Yes there is more than enough cricketing talent in this country and I hate to sound so negative, but the team are still in transition after the departure of so many legends and the ageing of certain current stars (Amla, Morkel, Philander). A serious succession plan (in accordance with all of the above issues) needs to be put in place as of yesterday.
On a positive note though, well done to our Women's team who have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Great job ladies!
Super Rugby's conference round has finally come to an end after what seemed like years. The tournament now enters the, all-important, knockout phase with the upcoming quarter finals.
Due to the finicky nature of the format, three South African teams have qualified, including KZN’s favourite team – The Sharks. They will play the table-topping Lions in Johannesburg, in what is sure to be a cracker of a game.
However, even as a die-hard Sharks’ supporter part of my heart is leaning towards a Lions victory and here's why. The Lions are guaranteed to play their three knock-out games, including the final (if they make it that far), at home.
There can be no better chance of a rare South African success than this, especially with talisman coach Johan Ackermann departing next season. With my heart torn, I hesitantly state: “May the best team win!”
Tennis fans would have been proud of the legend himself, Roger Federer (remember he is half South African), for claiming his 8th Wimbledon and 19th overall grand slam title (5 Australian Opens, 5 US Opens, 1 French Open). With Rafael Nadal looking a distant shadow of himself, it is seriously difficult to see anyone beating such a record in our lifetimes.
In closing, a quick mention for Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who obliterated the field to claim his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone, as well as for our under-18 athletes, who topped the medal table at the IAAF World Championships – the future looks bright.
Finally, commiserations to football fans who are surely suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms with mere friendlies, warm-up games and transfer rumours to keep them going. Fear not, a few more weeks to go now.
Until next time, keep warm and keep cheering.