De Villiers bats for Domingo
Proteas skipper AB de Villiers has outlasted many coaches but he wants Russell Domingo to keep his job.
Proteas skipper AB de Villiers has outlasted many coaches in his international career.
Two of them – Corrie van Zyl and Gary Kirsten – left because of disappointments in ICC tournaments, the 2011 World Cup and 2013’s Champions Trophy respectively.
He hopes that doesn’t happen with Russell Domingo in this current campaign.
“We’re with a great coach at the moment who is really leading the side well,” said De Villiers ahead of today’s meeting in Birmingham with Pakistan.
“We all get along with him and we all love him as our coach.”
Domingo’s future after the tour of England is still uncertain after Cricket South Africa last month announced they’ve formally advertised his position. The governing body insists they’ve had to do so to comply with South African labour laws but have encouraged Domingo to re-apply.
Naturally, De Villiers’ comment led to an obvious follow-up question: would that mean he’d like to see Domingo stay on?
“Yes, definitely,” was his emphatic reply.
Another prominent sub-plot is the presence of Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s head coach.
Arthur was in charge of the Proteas for a relatively fruitful period from mid-2005 to early 2010.
Ironically, early elimination from 2009’s Champions Trophy at home was one of the major factors that led to his demise. De Villiers was reluctant to make any comparisons between Arthur and Domingo.
“They’re completely different. Obviously different human beings. Both very nice guys, really good men and I get along with both of them,” he said.
“Mickey – it’s such a long time ago. I can’t remember his coaching style really. We had a lot of success under him and I have good memories of him as coach with us. But that’s long gone. It’s something in the past.”
In fact, not dwelling on the past is a bit of an overall theme for the Proteas going into this match.
“If we live in the past, there’s lots of scars that we can think of, lots of bad experiences. Some good ones, as well. So it’s just wise to try and stay in the moment,” said De Villiers.
And at the moment, it’s all about beating Pakistan.
The match starts at 2.30pm.