Gibbs stuck in a trough

Herschelle Gibbs: where's the next run coming from? © Getty Images

Herschelle Gibbs's ODI form since April 1, 2003

The dismissal of Herschelle Gibbs yesterday - he was the only batsman the Bangladesh bowlers managed to get out - highlighted the plight of a man who 18 months ago was considered one of the most devastating batsmen in international one-day cricket.

Since the 2003 World Cup, Gibbs has struggled, and in 32 ODIs he averages only 20.83. If games against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are removed from the equation, then the average slips below 18. oddly, his form in Tests in this period has been excellent.

Gibbs's form dominated the conversation between commentators as South Africa cruised to their nine-wicket win. There was speculation that Gibbs might be dropped down the order, or even left out altogether.

"I don't know, perhaps I played down the wrong line or I was a fraction late on the shot, but obviously it was disappointing not to make it count," Gibbs told the South African website Supercricket. "I can honestly say I've never started doubting myself. I honestly thought I would have been over this patch by now. It's lasting a long time, but it's happened to every cricketer at some time or another and you have to keep working hard and believing in yourself. I know it will come right."

Gibbs maintains that he feels good. "The last three practices before the game were the best I can remember, everything was hitting the middle of the bat and I had plenty of time. I thought I was going to get myself out of this rut on Sunday. But I didn't, so now I must do it against West Indies on Saturday.

"The most important thing to me, apart from keeping my confidence and belief, is that I'm still enjoying my cricket. Even though the results haven't been going for us and I'm not scoring any runs, I'm still enjoying my cricket and wanting to play. You can't play well if you're not enjoying it, and I'm still loving the game."