The Proteas finally prove their mettle
PROTEAS fans had something to cheer about this past week as the men in green delivered a somewhat surprising performance to win the first three One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and hence the series, with two games still to play.
After a disappointing showing in the Test series in which our batsmen were all at sea against spin bowling, the ODI team turned the tide and accomplished something that not many teams are able to do in the sub-continent.
I was personally shocked at the ease with which the side dismantled the Lankan bowling attack, especially given the fact that the series is being played in tough away conditions. Added to this, the same team suffered dismally at home against India earlier in the year, and thus, not much was expected from the boys. Looking forward, the overall squad seems to be shaping up nicely ahead of next year’s all important World Cup, with a few newcomers staking a claim for selection.
With Aiden Markram finding things difficult in the shorter formats, Reeza Hendricks took his chance with both hands to score a scintillating century on debut to somewhat cement his place for the time being. Tabraiz Shamsi also showing great form and will push Imran Tahir for a starting spot next year.
In terms of other key selections, it was nice to see Hashim Amla find some form, as well as David Miller. It is annoying to see fans frequenting social media pages constantly calling for the guy’s head. With AB out of the picture and Chris Morris not around, he is our only authentic power-hitting finisher and is a must for the starting XI.
All-in-all, we should be proud of the team for winning, in spite of some really tough pitches. Some true Protea Fire shown here. Keep it up boys and go for the whitewash.
In other cricketing news, India locked horns with the English in the first of five Tests, and yet again, came up short in away conditions. This in spite of batting heroics from skipper Virat Kohli, who amassed 200 runs in the match.
Eventually, England proved too much for the visitors as the rest of the Indian batting line-up failed to carry the burden with Kohli and capitulated. Kohli is easily the best batsman across all three formats, but still lacks the humility of a Sachin Tendulkar, and also needs to get the selection of his teams right. Leaving out the likes of Chuteshwar Pujara was a big mistake.
I look forward to seeing Kohli being humbled in the next four tests as well.
India ‘A’ locked horns with South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru in the first of two matches, with the home team well on top at the halfway mark. Print deadlines prevent me from commenting on the outcome, but a double ton from MA Agarwal exposed the SA bowlers. Rudi Second was our only batsman to shine with a well-played 94.
THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) began this past weekend with three KZN teams in action. Amazulu got the better of Baroka at home, while the derby game in Pietermaritzburg saw Golden Arrows impressing with a 2-0 away win against Maritzburg United, who will need to go back to the drawing board if they wish to repeat last season's performances.
With Free State Stars looming away from home, as well as an MTN 8 clash with Cape Town City, coach Fadlu Davids will have his work cut out, but I have all the faith that he will indeed rally the troops. While still on football, the English Premier League begins this weekend as soccer fans finally have something to enjoy following the excitement of the World Cup.
I will put my neck on the line and fashion a few predictions for the season. I foresee Manchester City narrowly defending their title with Liverpool coming a close second. Manchester United will probably scrape third place, but not before Jose Mourinho gets canned (around Christmas). Chelsea should take fourth with Spurs and Arsenal rounding off the top six.
SUPER Rugby concluded with a bang as the Crusaders won an unprecedented ninth title. Spare a thought for the poor Lions who lost their third successive final. They will probably lose next year's final too (sigh).