SA management open to independent review

South Africa's management would still welcome an inquiry into the team's performance, after an independent review was abandoned earlier this month. The initial investigation was due to look into the men's, women's and Under-19 sides' results last summer but was called off after CSA could not agree with terms relating to the scope and cost of the operation.

That meant the South Africa men's team head coach Russell Domingo travelled to the Caribbean without the pressure of an investigation into the side's shortcomings, but they might not be let off the hook easily. "Annually, whether the team is winning and doing well or going through a tough period like we are now, it's important to constantly review and refresh, whether it's the management team, coaching staff or other personnel," Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa's team manager said.

"Like many of you in your line of business, you constantly look at how to improve and make things better, that's what CSA wants to do. There are ongoing discussions and we are awaiting feedback from CSA board and management if and when the review will be reconstituted."

If South Africa are aiming to do an analysis, they will have to do so in the next six weeks before the 2016-17 season starts with two Tests against New Zealand. A busy six-month period follows, which includes 11 Tests, and South Africa will want to ensure they are ready to climb the rankings after tumbling from No.1 to No.6 earlier this year.

Chief among their concerns would be to analyse why they remain stuck in a transition phase that started more than two years ago when Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis retired. South Africa are struggling to compensate for the experience lost in their batting line-up, the allrounder role and the leadership, which has changed hands twice since Smith stepped down.

Hashim Amla was named Smith's immediate successor, after taking a u-turn on an earlier insistence that he did not want to captain, and despite AB de Villiers' vociferous interest in the job. Amla led the Test team in 14 matches, and started well with a series win in Sri Lanka, but his fortunes changed during South Africa's tour of India in late 2015. After winning four, losing four and drawing six matches, Amla stepped down mid-series against England, opening the door for de Villiers to get the job. De Villiers has since been confirmed as both Test and ODI captain even as questions are raised about his tactical suitability for the roles.

Having never captained at any level before international cricket, it appears to be the one thing he hasn't come to grips with. Criticisms have mostly centered on his management of bowlers and not the impact on his own form, which dipped noticeably in the Caribbean. Despite that, South Africa's coaches are as convinced de Villiers is the right man for the job as he is that the team management is "the best in the world", although calls for Domingo's head have increased. "AB is the right guy to lead us forward," Adi Birrell, South Africa's assistant coach said. "He has got the full backing of every player and every member of staff."

With the players and management in mutual support for each other, the only other area to look at is the structures, which include the domestic set-up. For that, CSA have a separate and ongoing review, which will examine whether the franchise system is producing enough in personnel in quality terms, to provide depth.

"We need to try and get the best possible structure to get players coming through," Birrell said. "There are a lot of players getting opportunities now and hopefully those players will come through with some experience under their belt."

South Africa have rigorous A team and Under-19 schedules, which would see players touring through varying conditions. The A side is set to travel to Zimbabwe and Australia next month while the Under-19s are currently in Sri Lanka - but the bulk of their international stars do not rub shoulders with these players. South Africa's senior players rarely play in the franchise set-up as a consequence of a packed international schedule. Instead, they often play domestic tournaments in other countries, be it in T20 leagues or the county set-up, which Domingo had already cited as a key reason for the current slump. Whether a review can solve that problem, or more drastic action needs to be taken, remains to be seen.