The announcement of the ICC test and ODI teams for the past year* rewarded the consistent performance of the Proteas with 4 places in the test side which underlines their status as the current number one side in this format. The difference in the Test side and the ODI side is that we only boast 2 batters in the shortened format of the game (Amla and de Villiers) where the test side boasts the same 2 batters and 2 bowlers (Steyn & Philander).
This perhaps, could be the indication as to why the Proteas have not yet been able to fully transfer their current ODI ranking to that of their Test ranking.
The rule changes to the ODI format do not benefit the bowlers, but it is where Russell Domingo need to apply more of his focus which means Alan Donald has some work to do. With the introduction of Philander to the ODI side, we might just see some better performance from the bowling unit. That all being said, occupying 6 places of the available 22, is quite an achievement and deserves credit.
Today sees the start of the India tour – and the start of the summer cricket tour. From a Proteas’ point of view, I would like to see Philander (pictured above) get a regular spot in the ODI’s as I think he might be the missing link in that bowling attack. Steyn has been destructive so far this season and I am looking forward to him terrorising the Indian batters on our lively pitches. India’s greatest weapon is their skipper – MS Dohni. His calmness and demeanour always impresses me and I think he is a wonderful ambassador to the sport. The fans voted him as their cricketer of the year with our own ODI skipper, AB de Villiers, in second place.
In other cricket news the 2nd Ashes test started today in Adelaide. The Poms have it all to do and this match could be seen as the vital key to win the tour. After a beating in Brisbane they need to to play well, really well. The Aussie press are up to their usual tricks of mastering storms in a tea cup. England picked an odd side going in with Stokes and Pannasar who will be replacing Trott and Tremlett. Personally, I hope the Poms bounce back and that Kevin Peterson and Alistair Cook, as well is Ian Bell are key to their counter attack to level the series.
I welcome your thoughts.
* Performances between August 7, 2012 and August 25, 2013 were considered
