Sense seems to prevail as SA Cricket makes a call
AHEAD of the Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh at the end of the month, there have been several, very sensible decisions made by all parties concerned.
The first, and perhaps most pertinent decision, was that of Ottis Gibson being confirmed as the Proteas’ next head coach. While it was an open secret, final confirmation of the matter allows the team to look forward, and also paved the way for another decision to take place.
AB de Villiers, SA’s premier batsman, had insisted that he wouldn’t make a call on his international future until he knew who the next
FITNESS DOUBTS OVER PHILANDER
PROTEAS seamer Vernon Philander is not available for the Cape Cobras’ Sunfoil Series opener against the Knights in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with his fitness again under the spotlight.
This comes as new Proteas coach Ottis Gibson had insisted that all contracted Proteas players would be available for the first round of the Sunfoil Series as he orientates himself before the Bangladesh series.
coach was. The announcement by the 33-year-old, that he was available to play in all three formats again, was a timely boost for Gibson and the rest of the team.
Since De Villiers has
The Proteas have not played any cricket for the past month since returning from the England tour, with Philander on an even longer break due to not playing in the fourth and final Test because of a back problem.
The 32-year-old had also struggled with a comeback from an ankle injury and a viral ailment in the first and third Tests in England for which he was hospitalised.
“Vern is not available for our
been away, the lack of a real stroke-player, one who can take the game away from the opposition, has been a weakness in the SA line-up.
De Villiers also confirmed that he would relinquish the first game in Bloemfontein,” Cobras coach Ashwell Prince confirmed to Independent Media yesterday.
This situation places Philander in serious doubt to feature in the first Test against the Tigers starting on September 28 in Potchefstroom.
National convenor of selectors Linda Zondi is expected to announce the squad after the first round of Sunfoil Series fixtures next week. – Zaahier Adams
one-day captaincy, thus paving the way for Faf du Plessis to lead the side in all three formats. Ever since the Proteas tried to compartmentalise the captaincy, there have been cracks in the structure.
Now that they have returned to a solitary leader on all fronts, the hope must be that it will cut out a lot of the confusion that comes with too many choir leaders. Du Plessis is universally recognised as the best man – and the most natural candidate – for the job, and he can now settle into his plans alongside Gibson.
The latest decision made around the Proteas’ camp is the retention of the previous regime’s support management for Bangladesh. Cricket South Africa announced on Wednesday that assistant coach Adrian Birrell, bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and batting guru Neil McKenzie would all stay in the picture.