Coach Kirsten protecting ‘buddy’smith? Not so, say those in the know
The allegation that Proteas coach Gary Kirsten is “protecting his buddy” Graeme Smith – who remains in the One-day team despite a poor run of form – has been dismissed as a grave insult to Kirsten’s integrity.
Former Proteas convener of selectors Mike Procter has been widely quoted as saying Smith and Kirsten’s friendship – and not his form – is keeping him in the side.
“I think Graeme Smith is lucky to have kept his place in the One-day side, especially if you’re looking to the future,” Procter told Business Day.
“He’s slow between the wickets and he isn’t a good fielder.”
“…Gary and Graeme are big buddies, and that was always going to be the problem when Gary was appointed… the Proteas are playing with such intensity at the moment, and that’s when you want to blood some new talent. It’s an ideal opportunity to say goodbye to Smith as a One-day international player.”
Former players and coaches canvassed by the Cape Argus did not wish to enter the fray, but all of them dismissed the notion that Kirsten was “protecting his buddy”, as Proctor was quoted alleging.
Respected commentator, journalist and author Neil Manthorp, speaking from Kimberley, told the Cape Argus: “I’m very fond of Procky, and think he deserves as much respect as anyone in the game. But… Gary and Graeme have absolutely nothing in common outside of cricket.
“There’s more than a dozen years between them, Gary has three children, Graeme is a long way from being where Gary is at in his life.
“They spend no time together outside that which is normal for a captain of a test team and a coach. For anybody to suggest that Gary would include anybody in the team for personal reasons, and to the detriment of the team, is an insult – to put it mildly.”
Kirsten said in Kimberley yesterday : “As for his batting form, he has done plenty for this country in the past, and taking these factors into consideration, I think he may deserve more of an opportunity than most,” he said in Kimberley yesterday.