Pick Proteas primarily for batting ability

LET us for a moment forget about the shenanigans of our South African politicians and concentrate on something much more important, and that is the Protea cricket team and how to improve it.

Everyone is entitled to my opinion and I now propose to reveal to the selectors my infallible theory as to how to build an unbeatable cricket side.

I offer this advice at no charge in the certainty that it will revitalise South African cricket to produce 100% results.

Listen carefully now and never divulge the secret to the other envious international cricket officials as to how you assembled a completely winning team using my theory.

Right! So first scour the country for the best 15 or so top batsmen.

Do not consider bowling or fielding as important at this stage.

The two wicketkeepers must be not just ‘keepers, but established batsmen as well.

(Note the term “batsmen” and not “batters”, which is an incorrect and grating American term.)

Concentrate especially on how to deal with spin bowling.

Take these 15 and hone their already proven skills under the guidance of established batting coaches, specialists in their field.

So now you have a team where number 11 is as skilled in the art of batting as are the openers. The “tail” is totally eliminated!

Next step: split off eight to 10 of these players and send them to, once again, specialist bowling coaches.

Teach these batsmen to bowl from the very basics so that they now become fully-fledged all-rounders. If necessary employ additional Indian spin-bowling coaches who can get us to perform as the Indian spin bowlers do.

Finally, send the team to (again) specialist coaches of fielding – throwing, running, catching, etc.

If this whole process means time off from international competition for a short time, do not allow this to deter – the end justifies the means.

So there you have it, Protea selectors, and free of charge!

You will see that the Proteas, who often flatter to deceive, will emerge as champions of the world.

Aren’t you grateful already and I bet you wish you had thought of it?

M Sandwick, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth