The Proteas - Our Team!

bwana

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Media Release on behalf of AB de Villiers

Wednesday, 23 August 2017

Good afternoon
A lot has been said and written over the past 12 months, and I feel it is time to make my position absolutely clear.

Over the past year or so, I have tried to manage many commitments. I have felt mentally and physically tired; my wife and I are bringing up two fantastic kids and playing in all three formats ever since 2004 has taken its toll.

Together with Cricket South Africa, we have tried to develop a viable schedule which allows me to prolong my career for as long as possible.

This strategy has prompted some people to say I am picking and choosing when to play for the Proteas, and even to suggest I am somehow putting myself before the team. That is simply not true. That has never been true. Playing for South Africa is, and will always be, the greatest privilege of my life.

Now to move forward.

Faf du Plessis has proved to be an outstanding captain of the T20 and Test teams, and bearing this in mind, I have informed Cricket South Africa that I would like to step down as captain of the ODI team. It has been an honour to lead the team for the past six years, but it is now time for someone else to take the ODI side forward. Whoever is chosen as the new ODI captain will have my complete support.

Following this recent break, I really do feel refreshed and revived. I want to get back on the field and I have today assured the national selectors that I will be available for selection in all three formats of the game during the coming season. There is plenty of hard work ahead in the nets and I must prepare properly, but I will be ready to play, if required, from the middle of October onwards.

Lastly, if I am lucky enough to be selected, I can't guarantee runs and catches. Nobody can do that. But what I can absolutely guarantee is 100% commitment to the Proteas in every format of the game, as and when required. That was my promise when I made my debut in 2004; and that is my promise today.
 

sox63

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Glad to see him available for all formats and none of this pick and choose rubbish
 

sox63

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Rob Houwing discusses the obvious selection issue created by AB coming back. I would not be surprised if Bavuma opens with Elgar in the upcoming Bangladesh series. Thoughts on the top order for Bangladesh and post Bangladesh?


In De Villiers’s absence on the recent, unsuccessful England Test tour, the Proteas experimented at four with all of JP Duminy (Lord’s), Quinton de Kock (Trent Bridge and Oval) and Temba Bavuma (Old Trafford), with generally unsatisfactory returns considering the weight of the position.

The Proteas have a burning issue elsewhere in the batting department, of course, with Heino Kuhn just not cutting it as an opener in England … and then there is the other vexing matter of “six specialist batsmen or seven?”

It is in situations where SA may be inclined to limit the tally to six, in favour of adding a fifth prong to the bowling unit, that the restoration of De Villiers (no debate; he plays!) makes things especially challenging selection-wise.

In such circumstances, it may just be too much of a luxury to field a second “specialist” opener alongside Dean Elgar – though young Aiden Markram is beginning to push, and seasoned Stephen Cook anything but lying down of late -- given that the six surnames you would most expect to see in the batting division, regardless of station, would arguably be as follows: Amla, De Villiers, Du Plessis, Elgar, Bavuma, De Kock.

That scenario means, like it or not, that “manufacturing” a new partner for Elgar from that group might become a necessity.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/welcome-back-ab-er-fancy-opening-20170824
 

Pom_in_Pretoria

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Re AB's self indulgent statement...

for as long as possible.

This strategy has prompted some people to say I am picking and choosing when to play for the Proteas, and even to suggest I am somehow putting myself before the team. That is simply not true.

Liar. Obviously he did. I do not blame him what with wanting to spend time with the kids. But he should be honest about this and not take SA fans for morons.


Media Release on behalf of AB de Villiers



Faf du Plessis has proved to be an outstanding captain of the T20 and Test teams,


AB obviously did not watch the England series where Faf was laughable as a player and captain?
 

WaxLyrical

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DanDango

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Ottis Gibson confirmed as South Africa's head coach

http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/story/1118416.html

Ottis Gibson has been appointed as the head coach of the South Africa team.

Gibson, the former West Indies seamer, will leave his role as England bowling coach at the end of the Investec Test series against West Indies. He has previously been head coach of West Indies (2010-2014), during which time he helped lead the side to success in the 2012 World T20.

ESPNcricinfo had previously reported that a compensation package had been agreed between Cricket South Africa and the ECB to allow Gibson to leave his ECB contract early.

"I am delighted to embark on this new chapter in my coaching career and I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for giving me this opportunity and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their understanding of my position," Gibson said. "I have spent a number of happy times in South Africa as a player and I am now looking forward to return as a coach."
 

schumi

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Cricket SA loss is about swings and roundabouts‚ not cricket

Alarm bells would have rung in some minds at Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) declaration of a loss of R158.81-million at their annual meeting at the weekend.

Was the game in this country on the skids financially?

Might it be a strictly amateur pursuit one of these years‚ up there with archery and croquet?

Did this mean stars and future stars would leave South Africa in search of places where they would be paid to play?

None of the above.

CSA make money from tours only when they host India‚ England or Australia‚ and they bank a little when Pakistan are the visitors. But the books take a hit whenever any other team are in town.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka toured last season‚ hence the loss.

More at: https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/c...-is-about-swings-and-roundabouts-not-cricket/
 

WaxLyrical

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The business model would dictate that when minnows play here, less tests and more limited overs would be played.

The only difference between the Aussies and Sri Lanka are test match attendences, so it makes sense to eliminate the tests.

Another sign that test matches here involving the minnows will be a thing of the past.
 

Creag

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I wouldn't be surprised if they don't put away anything for the rainy day. It's also appalling that their sole source of profitability tests in these sites touring and revenue attached thereto, be it direct or indirect. What if they opt not to tour here for a few years? Then what?
 

sox63

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I wouldn't be surprised if they don't put away anything for the rainy day. It's also appalling that their sole source of profitability tests in these sites touring and revenue attached thereto, be it direct or indirect. What if they opt not to tour here for a few years? Then what?

This is precisely why the big 3 hold so much power in the ICC
 

DanDango

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DanDango

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Proteas: Benkenstein 'is on the radar'
http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/proteas-benkenstein-is-on-the-radar-20171102

ape Town - Former Proteas all-rounder and Dolphins captain Dale Benkenstein has been sounded out over the possibility of becoming Ottis Gibson's deputy as national coach.

Rumours first surfaced that Benkenstein, 43, was sought by the new coach as his closest assistant when Gibson revealed certain changes to the back-up staff at a media briefing in Johannesburg a few days ago - including the end of Charl Langeveldt's reign as fast bowling coach, with Gibson instead casting his own, expert eye over that area.

Current chief assistant, Adrian Birrell, is also reportedly "moving on", creating the gap for a right-hand person for the Barbadian Gibson.

SuperSport pundit and former Proteas left-arm spinner Paul Harris said on the Inside Edge chat show this week that he knew Benkenstein had been approached, although he would have to be prised out of an existing post at a leading private school.

The likelihood that Benkenstein will become a new face on the support staff may well cause certain ripples at Cricket South Africa where, with transformation concerns in mind, a not inconsiderable lobby are pushing for Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana to have a meaningful role with the Proteas.

Ahead of Gibson's recruitment out of the England camp, there had even been speculation that Toyana might get the senior post, filling the Russell Domingo void.

So should he not be a shoe-in for the assistant berth?
 

bwana

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CSA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF PROTEAS SUPPORT STAFF
Thursday, 16 November 2017

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today announced the appointment of Standard Bank Proteas national coach Ottis Gibson’s support staff which includes the key one of current Warriors Coach Malibongwe Maketa as Assistant Coach.

Other senior appointments are former Proteas Dale Benkenstein who takes up the position of batting coach in a partnership with Hilton College where he continues to be employed and Justin Ontong as fielding coach.

Claude Henderson remains in his position as spin bowling coach while Craig Govender succeeds Brandon Jackson as physiotherapist. Greg King remains in his position as fitness trainer as does Prasanna Agoram as technical analyst.

“Congratulations to Malibongwe, Dale and Justin on their appointments,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Thabang Moroe. “Their qualifications speak for themselves. Malibongwe has done a wonderful job as Powerade National Academy and SA ‘A’ Interim Head coach as well as getting the Warriors to two limited overs finals last season without having some of the headline players available to other franchises while Dale brings loads of experience from the time he has spent overseas.

“I would like to thank Hilton College for their willingness to share Dale’s expertise in a partnership that will be a win-win situation for everybody. Hilton have always been wonderful supporters of cricket, notably through the way they make their magnificent facilities available for the annual Sunfoil Township Tournament.

“Justin has deservedly earned the reputation of being an outstanding all-round fielder and the addition of a fielding coach to the Proteas support staff is something that is overdue.

“At the same time I would like to thank Adrian Birrell, Neil McKenzie, Charl Langeveldt and Brandon Jackson for the contributions they have made to the Proteas over a considerable period of time. CSA would like to keep their institutional knowledge and expertise in our High Performance structures.”

Proteas head coach, Ottis Gibson, is excited with the coaching staff assembled: “My first six weeks as head coach gave me a good indication of the areas and resources needed for me to take the team forward,” he said. ' I'm confident with the coaching support staff we have put together and believe we share the same vision and understanding required to achieve success in our environment.

"The coaches are experienced experts in their respective fields and will add value and energy to an already high-performing environment. The Proteas have a well-run and professional setup and I have no doubt that these additions will further enhance that element during my tenure.”

The Board of Directors have approved the extension of the contract of Team Manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee until April 2018. Two new appointments will have to be made by the Board thereafter as Dr. Moosajee has filled the dual role of Team Manager and Team Doctor.

Standard Bank Proteas Management Staff:

Coach – Ottis Gibson
Assistant Coach – Malibongwe Maketa
Batting Coach – Dale Benkenstein
Fielding coach – Justin Ontong
Physiotherapist – Craig Govender
Fitness Trainer – Greg King
Spin Bowling Coach – Claude Henderson
Logistics Officer – Volvo Masubelele
Media Manager – Lerato Malekutu
Security Liaison Officer – Zunaid Wadee
Technical Analyst – Prasanna Agoram
 

bwana

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Day-Night Test playing conditions

  • 6 ½ hours of play / minimum 98 overs per day
  • Usual 30 minutes overtime available to complete the minimum overs
  • 2 intervals, spanning a combined 60 minutes (this is the current provision we have in place for day/night Tests and provides flexibility for scheduling over 4 days)
  • Maximum scheduled session length = 2 ½ hours, with the minimum = 2 hours
  • 30 minutes available to make-up for lost time on the day
  • No make-up time carried over to subsequent days.
  • Follow-on becomes 150 runs (rather than 200 runs) as per the Laws of Cricket
  • All other aspects of the Test match playing conditions remain unchanged.
  • Hours of play for Sunfoil Test match against Zimbabwe (December 26-29)

D/N Test Match - PE
1st Session
13h30 – 15h45

Interval - 15h45 – 16h05* Tea

2nd Session
16h05 – 18h20

Interval - 18h20 – 19h00* Supper

3rd Session
19h00 – 21h00
 

Stefanmuller

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I wonder why they started the warm up match in Paarl at 15:30, with the match only finishing at 23:00? Possibly because it only gets dark at 19:45? They only put on the lights at 19:20 on Friday.

I do think playing day/night games in our SuperSport series can work to get some more fans in. Watching the Zim warmup was quite enjoyable, driving through to Paarl at 4pm and watching some cricket without having to sit in scorching midday sun.
 

Creag

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Aiden Markram to fill in as South Africa captain

Aiden Markram, the 23-year old batsman, will captain South Africa for the remaining five ODIs* against India, in the absence of the injured Faf du Plessis. The appointment has been made with Vision 2019 - South Africa's plan for the World Cup in England - and beyond in mind.

Markram has only played two ODIs and even his List A career - at 26 matches - is in its fledgling stages. However, he is highly rated by the cricket community in South Africa ever since he led the Under-19 team to a World Cup title in 2014. In addition to that, he recently gained experience captaining his franchise, the Titans, in first-class cricket. At the helm for three matches in September and October last year, he scored 119, 87, 67, 85 and 81 not out.

"It's a big honour," Markram said. "Obviously as a little boy you grow up and you want to captain your country one day. Unfortunately for the team's sake, Faf misses out. It's a big loss to the side. But then the selectors showing confidence in me to take over, it means quite a bit. It's a super humbling experience, but yes, we're going to need to do this for Faf, I believe."

The rest here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22305413/aiden-markram-fill-south-africa-captain
 
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