Pitched online – by Bobby
Reading the comments on various websites this morning I realised once again that Protea fans are really bad losers, which, to be honest, doesn’t really bother me that much as I have always believed a “good loser” is a habitual loser. Despite criticism after the last two games, I believe that the series served its purpose – we won, and the last time I checked a win is a win – by 1 game or by 3.
This series allowed Gary Kirsten & co to have a look at a few things – bowling combinations and batting order experiments as well as testing some new faces. It also settled AB de Villiers as the new man in charge, while ex-skipper, Smith, finally got some much needed time at the crease which will stand the Proteas in good stead for the coming season. We definitely learnt that Allan Donald, the Proteas bowling coach, has some work to do with the Protea attack as our bowling under-delivered when defending decent and competitive scores! Apart from a few catches, the ground fielding seems to be really good.
To be competitive in the one day format, a squad of at least 17 players are required to allow for a rotation policy and to avoid injuries and player burn-out. The prospects are looking good, but the real test will come when we tour.
In other international cricket, it was refreshing to see the English lose against Pakistan! The English press is having a field day slamming their own. I think that it was a hiccup and we shouldn’t see a repeat. The English side is too good to be taken apart like that again. Saying that, you just never know!
Paul se perspektief: Heyneke Meyerbe?
Die hoofberig gister in Rapport is darem op baie dun bewyse gebasseer. Die koerant wil dit hê dat Meyer die Springbokafrigter is omdat hy vir Jurie Roux gaan sien het by SARU se hoofkantoor. Ek was ook al daar, en ek rig nie eers Garies se onder-elf span af nie. Sommige joernaliste laat nie toe dat feite ‘n goeie berig, wat die koerant help verkoop, afwater nie.
Hulle neem dit toe sommer verder met ‘n oorsig van Meyer se loopbaan, plus ‘n beskrywing van wat hulle sy “Bloudruk” noem. Ek meen dit gaan wel die geval wees dat hy die Blou Bulle se spelers in die span gaan druk, net soos sy voorgangers hul provinsiale spelers voorkeur gegee het.
Verstaan my mooi; ek dink Heyneke Meyer is die regte man vir die pos. Dis net dat ek en jy en duisende ander al so gedink het, maar dan dop die politici uit, en verskil van ons. Geen pryse as jy kan raai wie die geveg gewen het nie.
Dus, totdat die amptelike aankondiging gemaak word, konsentreer ek liewer op Julius se appél teen sy skorsing. Ek dink die uitslag daarvan is baie meer voorspelbaar as wie die volgende Bok afrigter gaan wees.
Daar gaan stemme op in die Kaap dat Bolla Conradie vir die Stormers gaan speel na sy goeie vertoning Saterdag teen die Boland. Nadat Jody Scheckter in sy jongdae bekend gestaan het as “Sideways Scheckter” het niemand nog weer na hierdie titel geaspireer totdat Bolla die “sideways shuffle” vervolmaak het nie.
Voel dit maar net so, of het ek jare laas rugby gekyk? Nou kan die Super 15 maar gerus begin. Ek is gereed.
Nag, ou Grote!
