Gibson and Faf answer the call

With World Cup looming, coach and captain have formed an unbreakable bond

BEFORE the third and final Test between SouthAfrica and Pakistan, it was widely accepted and expected that Faf du Plessis would be away from the team for a week or so.

His one-match ban, for a slow over rate, was one that came at a reasonable time for player and team. The series was won, Du Plessis himself had starred with the bat in Cape Town, and Dean Elgar was a more than adequate stand-in.

So, it was to a lot of people’s surprise when Du Plessis strolled into the middle of the Wanderers last week Thursday, seemingly without a care in the world. Even his teammates were pleasantly surprised. Not Ottis Gibson, though. The Proteas coach had insisted that his skipper come up anyway, such is the relationship that has developed between the pair.

“We talk to each other so often, that I think I speak to him more than my wife,” Gibson said of his talisman.

It is important to remember that the very best South African sports teams have often been built around an unshakeable bond between coach and captain.

Christie and Pienaar. Arthur and Smith.

White and Smit.

To that list, you can add the Bajan and the Pretorian. Gibson and Du Plessis thrive on each other’s personalities.

Indeed, their insistence on playing to the core strengths of their squad has seen them cajole the batting unit into becoming comfortable with the idea of lively tracks. Gibson and Du Plessis are unapologetic on that stance, and the fact that they are in cahoots further emphasises their unique nature.

“Certainly, none of the batsmen have complained to us,” Gibson maintained.

The chasm that exists between South Africa and many other nations when it comes to fast bowling has made their mind up for them. Both men are firm on their ideas on the one-day cricket plan, and they are happy with their dark horse role for the rapidly approaching World Cup.

It suits them, in many ways, but they are under no illusions about how potent their attack can be.

Now, together with the selectors, they are putting the finishing touches to a squad that they hope will deliver them from World Cup peril. Thus far, they have had their setbacks. The loss of AB de Villiers, several massive injuries, and also the unconvincing auditions of several players in key positions.

That said, Gibson and Du Plessis have not shown any outward signs of frustration or panic. You can just imagine, Gibson and Du Plessis plotting away in the team sheds, while Dean Elgar deputised in the middle.

They are both meticulous in approach.

They live for plots and downfalls, and both would love nothing more than to topple the odds on England winning the World Cup. In fact, they would love to burst that Pommie bubble at the end of May, at the very beginning of the showpiece.

It’s not an obsession, but this next chapter of their cricketing lives is one that takes up much of their time.

To the point that Mrs Gibson knows exactly who is on the other line when the other phone in the house rings.