ONTONG HAS WORK TO DO WITH PROTEAS

DROPPED catches, misfields, general lethargy chasing balls, and backing up throws have been unfortunate and even unexpected features of this season’s RamSlam T20 competition.

Last Sunday’s double-header at Newlands highlighted the shortcomings of what has traditionally been a strength of South African cricket, and further heightened the spotlight on preparation, not just of the six franchises in the RamSlam, but also the national team, who struggled in the fielding department throughout their tour of England and even recently in the series against Bangladesh.

Justin Ontong, a surprise choice by Ottis Gibson to be the Proteas’ fielding coach, will be under enormous scrutiny when the two high-profile series against India and Australia are played in the new year. Given what’s been on display in the RamSlam, Ontong has a lot of hard work ahead of him.

Lions wicketkeeper Mangaliso Mosehle yesterday described the struggles he’s seen in the field as “sad”.

“As South Africans we pride ourselves on our fielding. It’s sad. It’s been a general trend with all the franchises, where there are two or three dropped catches in every game,” said Mosehle.

Mosehle, who took one of the most spectacular catches of the season on Sunday - a one-handed grab with his left glove to dismiss Colin Ingram - believes nerves and even fear have played a part in the numerous errors seen in the outfield.

“Sometimes in T20 people get caught up in thinking about batting and bowling and we forget about fielding. The issue isn’t training, we’ve been working hard, and I’m sure the other teams are, too. From my perspective it’s about awareness and wanting to take a catch.”

Mosehle’s Lions teammate Rassie van der Dussen isn’t as depressed about the standard of South African fielding.

“It’s more coincidence than anything else,” he said.

“Guys aren’t preparing differently or not giving it the attention it requires. In Cape Town on the weekend it was very gusty; high balls are always difficult in those conditions. In Paarl the field is not in good condition.

“From the outside it looks worse than it really is,” said Van der Dussen.