The Heavy Ball

Choke at the Altar

An old Deep Purple song gets new meaning

Poor Proteas. Most times, pre-tournament form favours them. They're really talented. The neutrals love them, unlike the other dominating team. And every time, something happens. It's almost like they invent a new way of getting out.

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This song could be South Africa's new anthem. As a sport-loving neutral, I hope the buck stops in 2011, but I could be cho… er, joking here. To be sung to the tune of Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water".

Deep Purple: saw the future  Getty Images

We all came down to Melbourne
With a deadly easy scoreline
To break records and in some style
We had a lot of time

But Frank Ducky and one other
They had a different plan in mind
'Cus some stupid said just for fun
Score 22 off one

Choke at the altar
Look up at the sky
Choke at the altar

They burned down some Indian's house
'Cos he failed to score on the ground
Funky Lance was smashin' in and out
We made the Sixes round.

In the final over
We shoulda sealed a finals place
But poor Allan was run out
Hansie's palms were on his face

Choke at the altar
Look up at the sky
Choke at the altar

(solo)

In '03 we played really we-ell
We survived some early scares
But in our last league game, again we tied
And with a ball to spare

With a lot of time, a few old hands
Who thought math could be a threat?
No matter what, don't remind him of this
I know, Pollock will never forget

Choke at the altar
Look up at the sky
Choke at the altar