SA Need A Disciplinarian

Faf du Plessis’ press conference pointed out to exactly what was on the mind of avid cricket thinkers and aficionados...

- Sreelata S. Yellamrazu

South Africa’s cricket history charts a course that saw them move from a disciplined approach to a more innovative approach. However, given the manner in which South Africa have slid downwards in the past twelve months in particular, they may need to revisit history at the time of their readmission.

Watching South Africa’s surrender without a sniff of defiance was both, tragic as well as astounding. No longer be able to hide under the rock with statements such as ‘the boys are hurting’, Faf du Plessis’ press conference pointed out to exactly what was on the mind of avid cricket thinkers and aficionados. South Africa’s mental walls have been breached.

When South Africa were brought back post-apartheid, they came running out of the gate. The team had a flair that was not limited to their bowling. Outright fast bowlers, bamboozling fast-medium bowlers and intrepid wily part-timers found themselves abounding in the team. Their batting, steered by the likes of seasoned players such as Kepler Wessels who played for Australia before returning home to South Africa to captain the team, Andre Hudson, Peter and later Gary Kirsten, brought steeliness and intensity to their game. It camouflaged the younger, enterprising ones coming through the ranks.