C Bryden: Bacher gives jolted SA pep talk on pride, passion (24 Aug 1997)

24 August 1997

Bacher gives jolted SA pep talk on pride, passion

Colin Bryden

A NEW sense of purpose and discipline has been pledged by the South African cricket team following a "jolt" when they lost at home against Australia last season. Managing director Ali Bacher had heart-to-heart talks with 18 of the 19 contracted players during the winter to communicate the United Cricket Board's requirements, compiling his own assessments of the frame of mind of each cricketer going into a 12-month period during which South Africa will play in 16 Tests and as many as 28 one-day internationals.

"The players got a jolt last season," said Dr Bacher. "The defeat by the Aussies hurt them and they really want to turn the tables when they tour Australia this season."

Among the measures aimed at making sure the players are focused on the task at hand will be a ban on promotional activities during the two days immediately before home Test matches.

Dr Bacher said his travels around the country had followed discussions between senior board members, including president Krish Mackerdhuj and the convenor of selectors, Peter Pollock.

"I spent about an hour with each player individually, going through their new contracts and conveying our views on some aspects which we thought might have been lacking," said Dr Bacher.

"We were concerned that the pride and passion of playing for South Africa might have diminished. The initial euphoria of being back in international cricket has worn off and a reaction might have set in. Discipline goes hand in hand with pride in playing for your country. It is so easy to get diverted by commercial or other activities.

"We also wanted to emphasise the importance of tradition, which includes respect for their own senior players, officials and former great players."

As a result of the discussions, the two greatest South African batsmen of modern times will assist the national team's preparations.

Graeme Pollock will join national squad in Durban during their pre-season matches next month and Barry Richards, now based in Perth, will be with them for the first week of their tour of Australia in November.

Dr Bacher said a particular emphasis this season would be on winning series and finals.

"Last season the team had some excellent wins but we lost two series," he added.

"South Africa's record was 4 wins and 4 defeats in 9 matches. Over the same period Australia also played 9. They won 5 and lost 4.

"Australia were acclaimed as the best side in the world but the perception of the South African team was that it was a poor season. The difference was that Australia won the big matches and took the series."

British Lions rugby captain Martin Johnson was cited as a role model.

"After the Lions won the first test against the Springboks he was barely excited," noted Bacher. "He said it was only one step towards winning the series. That sort of focus and toughness is what we need."

Bacher was encouraged by the response of the players to the recent talks.

"They accept that a huge effort will be needed in the next 12 months," he said. "They will be spending a lot of time away from home but they understand the effort that is needed."

The players will assemble in Cape Town on September 1 to start preparing for the tour of Pakistan later that month.

Dr Bacher's assessment of the players:

HANSIE CRONJE: Extraordinary commitment to SA cricket. Sometimes too harsh on himself. Dedicated to leading a winning team.

PAUL ADAMS: Unaffected by his ascent to fame. He has kept his feet on the ground and enjoys his cricket.

ADAM BACHER: Focused and determined to succeed at Test level.

DARYLL CULLINAN: Has matured as a person and his performances reflect this.

ALLAN DONALD: A role model for all cricketers with his dedication and pride in playing for South Africa.

FANIE DE VILLIERS: Contracted to end of December. Even if he does not succeed in getting back into the team, can play a big role in promoting cricket, particularly in rural areas and among the Afrikaans community.

HERSCHELLE GIBBS: Very laid-back and not stressed by international cricket. Singled out by Steve Waugh as an exceptional striker of the ball, there is no need to change him.

ANDREW HUDSON: Very disappointed only to be given a B category contract. Determined to win back a regular place.

JACQUES KALLIS: Quietly determined to prove himself as a topclass international player.

GARY KIRSTEN: By his own admission lost confidence last season but is back to normal. His temperament and determination are vital assetts.

LANCE KLUSENER: Personifies the pride and passion that is needed in an international player.

CRAIG MATTHEWS: Contracted to end of December. Has much to offer either as a player or as an administrator.

BRIAN McMILLAN: In exceptionally good shape. As important as his batting and bowling is his mental toughness.

SHAUN POLLOCK: Admitted his bowling last season was not up to his best but feels he has regained his rhythm. Determined to be a top-quality allrounder.

JONTY RHODES: A year ago he had lost some motivation and wasn't enjoying the limelight and being away from home for long periods. Has come to terms with his situation and is bursting with enthusiasm again.

DAVE RICHARDSON: The team's senior player is a vital link between the board and the team who have appointed him as their commercial manager. He ensures there are no conflicts between deals done by the board and the players. Remains focused on his cricket.

BRETT SCHULTZ: Has astounded trainers at the Sports Science Institute with his fitness and hard work in the gym. Hungry for sustained Test success after numerous injury blows.

PAT SYMCOX: Another mentally tough player. Preparing for season by bowling for two hours, twice a day, five days a week, the equivalent of 60 overs a day.

The only contracted player not yet seen by Dr Bacher is Derek Crookes, who is playing club cricket in England.

Source:: The Sunday Times