Cricket Insider - Can Proteas shed chokers tag?
by Juris Graney
Mention the C-word around South African cricket fans and you can expect a tirade of abuse but they now have the chance to prove once and for all that they are not a team of chokers.
For a decade the Proteas have been forced to live with the chokers tag after they botched a finals berth in the 1999 World Cup when they tied their semi-final match against Australia.
Since then they have consistently proved inconsistent, unable to perform when it matters despite have a team brimming with talent.
The only tournament they have won since being reinstated to world cricket following apartheid was the 1998 ICC Knockout (the former incarnation of the Champions Trophy).
Their track record speaks volumes for their inability to perform under pressure.
In the five World Cups since 1992, they have reached the semi-finals three times and the quarters once.
They were knocked out of the 2003 tournament in the first round, which was an abominable result considering they, like this year’s Champions Trophy, were the hosts.
They have reached the semis of the Champions Trophy three out five, winning one and knocked out in the first round in 2004 and they reached the semis in the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup only to be beaten by eventual winners Pakistan.
As the world number one ODI and Test team, South Africa should feel confident they can win this tournament. Their ruthlessness has been rewarded with bookmakers installing them as +275 favourites.
If they lose this tournament at home, like they did in 2003, South African cricket will lay in tatters. It may not be a World Cup but the Champions Trophy is a testing ground for the will and determination needed to be world champions.
The team:
Graeme Smith (c): Smith has been at the helm of the Proteas since he was 22 and this tournament will be one of the most important in his captaincy. Unlike like the Little Engine that Could, Smith must now do more than recite, “I think I can, I think I can,” before he goes to bed. With six years under his belt now is his time to reach the top of that mountain or face another barrage of really bad comparisons to children’s nursery rhymes.
Johan Botha (vc): The T20 captain has slipped into the one day team seamlessly. His darting and annoyingly accurate off spin is a blessing for Smith as Botha can tie up batsmen with ease. Is capable with the bat.
Hashim Amla: Hashim has that wristy sub-continent style which enables him to flick balls off middle and off stump to the leg side which really annoys bowlers because they then try to push it a little wider of off and bang, he steps up and smashes them through cover. A great little fielder as well.
Mark Boucher (wk): Boucher is the man for all seasons. A great gloveman, he is now recognised as the most prolific wicket keeper since Adam Gilchrist retired. Boucher feeds on challenging situations and loves the niggle behind the stumps.
AB de Villiers: Has cemented himself in the Proteas batting order. Has a great batting arc that makes him dangerous through the on-side and the off-side. Can accelerate or compile run and values his wicket, something that can’t be said of many of the modern players.
Jean-Paul Duminy: Has burst onto the scene and thanks to a fantastic series in Australia is now considered to be one of South Africa’s most dangerous attacking players with the bat. Can roll his arm over as well and is brilliant in the field. A genuine all rounder.
Herschelle Gibbs: Fought his way back into the national team and, let’s be honest, one of the warhorses of international cricket. Can never be underestimated.
Jacques Kallis: A pain in the backside for every international opponent. Another genuine all-rounder in the Proteas squad.
Albie Morkel: Albie and his brother Morne are a fantastic duo but if you want just one of the brothers in your team than it has to be Albie. Big, quick and deadly with the willow, Albie is another all-rounder that demands respect.
Makhaya Ntini: At 32, Ntini is nearing the end of a glistening career which has yielded more than 650 international wickets. Will be hard to handle on his home decks.
Wayne Parnell: The left arm quick has only played four ODI and 8 T20 so it’s too early to say what kind of impact he will have on the international scene but as far as I am concerned, as long as he keeps Andre Nel out of the team the better it is for South Africa.
Robin Peterson: Who? Apparently he’s played 35 ODI but as far as I can tell, his impact has been minimal. I guess each team in this tournament need a dark horse and Peterson appears to be South Africa’s.
Dale Steyn: Has taken on the same role that was filled by Allan Donald, the legendary White Lightning. Aggressive as all hell, he is quick and nasty. Did I mention he was quick?
Lonwabo Tsotsobe: Left arm quick with just one ODI to his name in which he took 4/50. Not bad.
Roelof van der Merwe: The left arm tweaker has a name that is a dyslexic’s worst nightmare.
