The Proteas - Our Team!

I don't feel old now as compared to then come to think of it I feel like I felt when I left University.

Still a very proud moment for all cricket fans in SA.
 
Marks out of 10 for SA squad in Test series in NZ

At 9 out of 10

Quinton de Kock
Three matches, 210 runs at 52.50, two fifties, 13 catches, two stumpings

Morne Morkel
Three matches, 11 wickets at 26.72, 49 runs at 49.00

At 8 out of 10

Keshav Maharaj
Three matches, 15 wickets at 19.93

At 7 out of 10

Faf du Plessis
Three matches, 198 runs at 66.00, three fifties

Temba Bavuma
Three matches, 189 runs at 37.80, two fifties

At 6.5 out of 10

Vernon Philander
Three matches, two wickets at 101.50, 70 runs at 35.00

At 6 out of 10

Dean Elgar
Three matches, 265 runs at 44.16, one hundred, one fifty

Kagiso Rabada
Three matches, eight wickets at 38.87

At 5...

Hashim Amla
Three matches, 153 runs at 30.60, one fifty

At 3...

JP Duminy
Three matches, 104 runs at 20.80, four wickets at 26.75

At 2...

Theunis de Bruyn
One match, 12 runs at 6.00

At 0...

Stephen Cook
Two matches, 17 runs at 4.25

http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-south-africa-2016-17/content/story/1089237.html
 
Maharaj named in Champions Trophy squad
http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/maharaj-named-in-champions-trophy-squad-20170419

Cape Town - Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has earned his maiden One-Day International (ODI) call-up to the 15-man Proteas squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, which was announced on Wednesday.

The squad will play three ODIs against England starting with the first match at Headingley in Leeds on May 24, before their first group match of the ICC Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka at the Oval on June 3.

The 26-year-old Maharaj has had an impressive debut season for the Test squad, and comes into the squad to bolster the spin options alongside Imran Tahir.

Morne Morkel makes a return to the limited-overs format after nearly 10 months, adding experience to the pace bowling group featuring Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) convener of selectors, Linda Zondi, says the selectors have picked a strong squad which covers all of the combinations and conditions on offer for the eighth edition of the eight-team event.

“We have been working with this group of players for the last two seasons where our key emphasis has been consistency in selection,” Zondi commented.

“That has shown in how this group has performed over the last while, which has resulted in winning three consecutive ODI series.

“We feel we have a squad that covers every scenario that we could possibly be faced with on the tour. Most importantly, every player knows and understands their role and value within the squad.

“Keshav has had an exceptional debut season for the Test side and his inclusion in the squad gives us a spinner with a different skills and extra batting depth. We have seen how important it is to bat deep in ODI cricket, this option will give us that cover if needed.”

The squad will depart for England on May 16 and will begin their preparations with two 50-over tour matches against Sussex and Northants.

Proteas ODI squad for three-match ODI series against England and ICC Champions Trophy:

Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock - wicketkeeper (Titans), Faf du Plessis (Titans), AB de Villiers - captain (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), David Miller (Knights), Chris Morris (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Highveld Lions), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (Highveld Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Farhaan Behardien (Titans), Morne Morkel (Titans)

Proteas' Champions Trophy schedule:

Saturday, June 3 - Sri Lanka v South Africa, The Oval

Wednesday, June 7 - Pakistan v South Africa, Edgbaston

Sunday, June 11 - India v South Africa, The Oval

Wednesday, June 14 - First semi-final (A1 v B2), Cardiff

Thursday, June15 - Second semi-final (A2 v B1), Edgbaston

Sunday, June 18 - Final, The Oval

Monday, June 19 - Reserve day
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25 years: Our best Proteas Test XI
http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/25-years-our-best-proteas-test-xi-20170419

Here, then, is my choice ...

1. Graeme Smith (captain)

The Proteas’ longest-serving and most iconic Test captain of post-isolation times, “Biff” was a colossal presence in every sense, starting with his unforgettable, back-to-back double centuries (Edgbaston and Lord’s) as skipper aged only 22. He still shares with Neil McKenzie the all-time world record opening partnership in Tests of 415. Tests: 116. Runs: 9,253 at 48.70.

2. Herschelle Gibbs

The happy-go-lucky Gibbs’ natural, daredevil approach to batting made him a fine foil for Smith upfront, even if he might have found a berth lower down here, too. Remember that Gibbs averaged 47 once converted to an opener’s role in Test matches and all of his 14 centuries were in that capacity. Tests: 90. Runs: 6,167 at 41.95.

3. Hashim Amla

A bastion of serenity and meticulous accumulation for many years, wristy Amla is a shoe-in for “first drop”. He is still the lone South African to sport a Test triple century (The Oval), and remembered for a positively titanic personal series in India in 2010 (253*, 114 and 123*).Tests: 103. Runs: 7,952 at 49.39.

4. Jacques Kallis

The rock. Quite simply that, in an extraordinary, marathon career as fully-fledged all-rounder (a dying art globally) for SA. Statistically, Kallis has huge claims to being best cricketer of all time, even if charisma and PR visibility wasn’t really his thing, ever so slightly limiting his affection in some circles. Tests: 165. Runs: 13,206 at 55.25. Wickets: 291 at 32.63.

5. AB de Villiers

One of the most watchable, gung-ho of stroke-players in a modern game that has cranked up dramatically across all formats for batting tempo and sheer demoralisation of bowlers. Brilliant fielder and sometimes gloveman, into the bargain. Tests: 106. Runs: 8,074 at 50.46.

6. Gary Kirsten

The awkward-technique left-hander may seem a wee bit out of place in this berth, considering his main career claims as a tenacious upper-order batsman. But five and six was the terrain he operated in during his twilight months in Test cricket … and, unsurprisingly, with some success. A calming, mentally sturdy and gradually counter-punching presence if my team has an unlikely top-order wobble! Tests: 101. Runs: 7,289 at 45.27.

7. Mark Boucher

Like his great friend Kallis, a true veteran of national colours. An increasingly reliable ‘keeper who holds a multitude of records – including being runaway custodian of most dismissals in the five-day arena on the planet. Prepared to bite the bullet in a batting crisis, too. Tests: 146. Runs: 5,515 at 30.30. Dismissals: 555 (532 catches, 23 stumpings)

8. Shaun Pollock

Product of stellar family genes … and how often it showed. First a fiery, genuine speedster, then remodelled after injuries into a highly durable, superbly accurate fast/medium-pacer. Loved using the long handle when the situation warranted it, and possessed many of the best shots. Tests: 108. Runs: 3,781 at 32.31. Wickets: 421 at 23.11.

9. Dale Steyn

Outswing king. As purring, pedigreed a fast bowler with a rhythmical action as you will ever find, and blessed by fine fitness and athleticism until unusual, major injuries began to set in as he clicked into his thirties. Still not throwing in the towel, mind, and now only four scalps shy of Pollock’s SA record 421. Tests: 85. Wickets: 417 at 22.30.

10. Allan Donald

He’s the inevitable, main head-hunter, if you like, in this combo. “White Lightning” was devilishly quick and aggressive at his best, a true nightmare to face on a pitch with good carry and bounce. Tests: 72. Wickets: 330 at 22.25.

11. Makhaya Ntini

The admirable, motor-beat element of this attack … a man who prided himself in charging in purposefully even if it was in the lengthening shadows of a warm, challenging day. SA’s rags-to-riches story; a champion who had spent his humble youth herding cattle in rural Mdingi. Tests: 101. Wickets: 390 at 28.82.
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my all time X1:

Biff
Hersh
Hash
Kallis
AB
Faf (left him off my list somehow, but his patience with the bat is the only thing this team could use more of)
QDK (I rate him highr than Boucher, its close dont get me wrong but he is better with the bat)
Shaun
Vern (his consistancy and swing eeks the edge over Ntini, it is really really close and was the most difficuilt call IMHO)
Dale
Donald

so pace attack of Philander, Steyn, Donald, Pollock and Kallis 5 of the greatest we have ever had. with KG and Morkel on the bench.
top 5 that have scored close to 50 000 runs in their career combined.
with Faf is there to make sure we have someone who can bat for 8 hours and score 30 runs if that is needed.
QDK is in there to change the game wiht a quickfire 50 (and to keep)
and Shaun and vern can swing a willow.

this team would beat the late 70's early 80's WEst indian team, and the Aus team that dominated in the late 90's early 2000's

but this team will not beat india at home, and will struggle against Sri Lanka at home.
any other team ever, playing in SA would not pull off a series win.
 
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My all time XI

1. Graeme Smith
2. Gary Kirsten
3. Hashim Amla
4. Jacques Kallis
5. AB de Villiers (WK)
6. Darryl Cullinan
7. Herschelle Gibbs or Lance Klusener or McMillan
8. Shaun Pollock
9. Dale Steyn
10. Allan Donald
11. Vernon Philander
 
DanDango said:
My all time XI

1. Graeme Smith
2. Gary Kirsten
3. Hashim Amla
4. Jacques Kallis
5. AB de Villiers (WK)
6. Darryl Cullinan
7. Herschelle Gibbs or Lance Klusener or McMillan
8. Shaun Pollock
9. Dale Steyn
10. Allan Donald
11. Vernon Philander
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Adrian Kuiper should also slot in there somewhere
 
Smith
Gibbs
Kirsten
Amla
Kallis
Prince
AB(c-wk)
Philander
Steyn
Donald
Ntini


Not enough is made of Polly's rather poor Strike Rate I feel. I don't need Polly's batting with Kallis' alround abilities there, but Philander a must with stats to match. His both-ways swing has effortlessly and single-handedly destroyed many a batting order in Test cricket in such breath-taking fashion that no other SA bowler(Steyn included) has been able to match him at many times. Heck the combined swing of Steyn, Philander & Kallis can bowl out many orders with that new ball before Donald & Ntini even get to bowl.

Vern can swing it for sure, but that's because he's probably the most naturally skilled next to Wasim & Jimmy. However, he can't do it at express pace, nor does he have the intelligence to setup a batsman like Steyn - who is a greatest ever world XI candidate never mind best SA bowler in 125 years.

The respective pace&bounce of Donald & Ntini is sufficient.

Ashwell Prince was/is hands down a better batsmen than both Faf & Cullinan -mentally & technically. I'd pick Elgar ahead of those two.

Greatness eluded the Proteas simply because we drew far too many Test matches due to the make-up of our batting order. Can't afford to have a batting order that has Smith, Kirsten and Kallis (plus one of Faf, Prince or Cullinan), but hope to score at over 3.5rpo by leaving the responsibility to AB&Amla. Gibbs simply has to be there.

I don't rate his captaincy, but at their peak, I think these players would have made AB a better captain that Smith.

NB: Does anybody else notice just how few truly great and dominant Test players we've had in the last 30 odd years compared to the Test other sides we consider weaker than us? It's like we're a NZ that punches above its weight.
 
Neoprod said:
In a test 11?

Gibbs being selected in that original list tells us a lot about how poor opening has been for a long time. Dan's list is better but I would drop Cullinan for Boucher and re-jig the batting order.
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Not sure what you mean by this but Gibbs at his peak was a world class player.

Smith
Gibbs
Kirsten
Amla
Kallis
AB
QDK
Philander
Adams
Steyn
Donald
 
skotelbraai said:
NB: Does anybody else notice just how few truly great and dominant Test players we've had in the last 30 odd years compared to the Test other sides we consider weaker than us? It's like we're a NZ that punches above its weight.
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This is not even remotely true.
 
Mike7 said:
This is not even remotely true.
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Try coming up with a list of the truly great West Indian, Australian, Pakistani, Indian, Sri Lankan and English sides, then compare it to a list from SA. What you'll find is that in the last 30 years, NZ is the only one that we're ahead of.

I won't even waste either of our time on WI, AUS, PAK & IND because they are way ahead of us in world class Test cricketers, while England just about edge us.

But take Sri Lanka for example. Apart from Murali, Herath, Mahela, Sanga, de Silva, Jayasuriya, Vaas & Samaraweera, they've have had the likes of Dilshan, Attapatu, Matthews, Tillakaratne, Mendis etc who are very decent.

Kallis, Smith, Amla, Steyn, Ntini, Philander, Donald, Polly & AB belong to our top tier. While the rest resemble most sides' next best. That second SL group mirros most of our players. Like Kirsten, Gibbs, Morkel, Cullinan etc. However, SL still edge us because in terms of impact, how many of our top Test players were all-format top players? Hence zero World Cups for the Proteas!
 
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skotelbraai said:
Greatness eluded the Proteas simply because we drew far too many Test matches due to the make-up of our batting order. Can't afford to have a batting order that has Smith, Kirsten and Kallis (plus one of Faf, Prince or Cullinan), but hope to score at over 3.5rpo by leaving the responsibility to AB&Amla. Gibbs simply has to be there.

I don't rate his captaincy, but at their peak, I think these players would have made AB a better captain that Smith.
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Where do you get this idea that Graeme Smith was a slow scorer in test cricket...His career strike rate is 59.67 . That is higher then all of ab,amla and gibbs...

As for the captaincy that must be some really heavy stuff you are on. AB doesn't come close to GC Smith, no comparison between the two. Not character nor leadership.
 
Bavuma joins Cape Cobras
http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/bavuma-joins-cape-cobras-20170502

Cape Town - The Cape Cobras’ chances of adding trophies to their cabinet have received a substantial boost with the news that the 26-year-old Proteas middle-order batsman, Temba Bavuma, will be returning to his Cape Town roots in the 2017/18 season.

Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of Western Cape Cricket, confirmed that Bavuma has parted ways with the Highveld Lions after a period of close to nine years and is heading back to the place of his birth.

Bavuma made his first-class debut for Gauteng in 2008 at age 18.

Bavuma was sensational during the 2014/15-season in which the Highveld Lions won the Sunfoil Series, scoring 555 runs at an average of 69.35. A seminal moment in his career came just a few months prior to that season. He shared in a match-winning 343-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Rilee Rossouw against Australia ‘A’ in August 2014. South Africa ‘A’ won handsomely by eight wickets, with Bavuma scoring 162.

The diminutive batsman was born and bred in Langa and educated at SACS, and brought tears of joy and celebration across the Cape Peninsula when he slammed his maiden Test century against England at Newlands in the 2015/16 season in the traditional New Year’s Test.

His compact style, his excellent balance, his ability to keep his head still and play at the latest moment has drawn rave reviews from technical experts such as Kepler Wessels, a former South African batsman, and Shaun Pollock, a former SA Test captain.

Small in stature, but a giant in every other way, Bavuma plays attractively square of the crease. He loves to treat fast bowlers’ attempted bouncers with disdain, while his driving through the covers is pure class.

In his latest Test series, against New Zealand, he contributed scores of 64 and 87. His partnership of 160 with Quinton de Kock in Wellington, aided by the splendid 6-40 by Keshav Maharaj, set up a comprehensive eight-wicket win for South Africa that ultimately secured the series win.

“I believe that Temba, when not on international duty, can enhance the Cape Cobras’ chances significantly of winning the Sunfoil Series title and even the One Day Cup campaign. He will strengthen the top order and aid their quest to score totals in excess of 450 in the first innings,” Dien remarked.

“And his versatility off back and front foot, his good running between the wickets and his excellent partnerships with players like Stiaan van Zyl, Jason Smith and Richard Levi could make him a significant factor in the domestic 50-over campaign as well,” said Dien.

Beresford Williams, chairperson of Western Cape Cricket, commented: “He will be a drawcard for the Cobras, as he is an attacking player and his presence will also be an inspirational factor in township cricket and in encouraging and motivating young players to choose cricket as their premier sporting code instead of soccer.”

In 20 Tests, Bavuma has scored 849 runs at an average of 31.44, while he has scored 12 tons in 106 first class games.

“South Africa will have a busy test schedule in 2017/18 with Test series against Australia and India on the cards. Yet, Temba might still ply his trade in different formats for the Cobras as he is not yet an established player in One Day Internationals. His experience and enthusiasm will be key factors in lifting the Cobras to new heights in all formats,” said Ashwell Prince, coach of the Cape Cobras.
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1.Logic - "move away from the one coach and franchise that has been consistent and stable to your development over the years, then move the one of the most unstable team environments over the last couple of seasons"

Very questionable reasoning!

2.Three quotes Chaiperson, CEO, Head Coach from the side, but zero from the player.

Very questionable reporting!

Verdict - Standard Naspers-Media24 junk journalism!
 
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