Tuesday, May 11, 2010

South Africa: Constant Under-achievers?


With the early departure of South Africa at the World T20 in West Indies, where does the problem lie in this constant under-performance?

In this early years of the 20/20 format, many games are still played on trial and error. Are teams are picked based on players abilities over their impact in this format?

Let's look at the South African make-up. Smith, Kallis, Bosman and Gibbs the opening batters. Smith terribly out of form, Kallis 'slow batting' doesn't help the cause, unless he sets up a good foundation to work from. Yes his approach can work, but how often? Gibbs should give it up, Bosman has never proved his worth.

Then to the middle order, AB and JP. Nudgers. At their best can never score at more than 10 to the over. And following the diastrous start of Sanex boy Kallis, not gonna get over the par 150 mark.
Albie and Boucher are crucial. Especially in the last few. However Bouch should call it a day and young blood or AB take over the gloves.

Rollie is a terrible spinner and his rash swinging of the willow hardly if ever works. Botha is the better spin option and batter anyday.
Now here's the biggest problem in my opinion. 5 fast bowlers in the squad. Steyn,Morne, and Langerveld deserve their places. Kleinveld and Rusty came for a holiday. Yes they are good, but when you limited with options in a Batsman's game, does it warrant their inclusion?


With that taken into account, here's my selection for South Africa going forward. Mr Hudson, use it if you wish.
1. Graham Smith
2. Jacques Kallis
3. AB De Villiers
4. Colin Ingram
5. Dave Miller
6. Albie Morkel
7. Morne Van Wyk
8. Johan Botha
9. Morne Morkel
10.Rusty Theron
11.Dale Steyn

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