South African cricket plunging the depths

Where is South African cricket going? From the only team in the world capable of matching the all-conquering Australians, the side has been on a slippery slope for two seasons, and events in England suggest that nothing is in place to stop the slide.

On top of the disastrous World Cup campaign, the sacking of Shaun Pollock and the Lance Klusener debacle can be added the retirements of Alan Donald, Jonty Rhodes and Gary Kirsten. Their absence has left a void causing nervousness amongst the loyal core of supporters who hanker for the glory days inspired by coach Bob Woolmer and now deceased and disgraced former captain Hansie Cronje.

Eric Simons, the coach, and Graeme Smith, the newly appointed captain, made promises of improved performances, including inflicting scars on the England team. But South Africa were shown to talk the talk without being able to walk the walk - they walked away from the recent NatWest Series bruised, battered and comprehensively beaten.

Feelings of joy and national pride from only a few years ago have been reduced to anger, frustration and a sense of hopelessness.

The miscalculation of the Duckworth-Lewis system in the vital World Cup match against Sri Lanka that denied South Africa a place in the Super Six highlighted the sharp decline. The coach should have taken full responsibility for that mistake but it was the captain, Pollock, who was stripped of his duties.

The chopping block did not end there. Klusener became the next victim on the pretext that he needed to rest. When he was not given a national contract it became obvious that he would not be going on the England tour.

Smith's comments about Klusener being a disruptive influence raised speculation that lack of form wasn't the reason for his omission from the squad. An average of 91 and five wickets during the World Cup compounded the speculation.

The United Cricket Board (UCBSA) stood by Cronje. At the same time they supported Herschelle Gibbs. Support for the same player after a marijuana session and subsequent after-hour behavioural problems led to the appointment of a mentor.

Klusener, however, was not even given the courtesy of a telephone call. This, after he was given an indication that he would be receiving a contract and a call-up for the tour to England. Where was the UCBSA support and rehabilitation then?

The capabilities of the coaching staff should also be questioned.

Glaring faults seem to be ignored in both the batting and bowling departments while the fielding capabilities of a team recognised as the best two years ago can now only be described as average.

Makhaya Ntini has 31 Tests and 80 one-day internationals under his belt and he still lacks the ability to bowl a slower ball. Jacques Kallis was a feared and respected bowler; today he is the one targetted by batsmen. Pollock's loss of pace is a concern. At 30, he should be in a position to add a yard or two to his pace, especially if he is to continue to open the bowling for South Africa.

The rebuilding and recovery process requires a solid foundation starting with administration, management, coaching and selection in order to create unity and trust amongst all concerned. Strong leadership throughout the structure is imperative if South Africa is to regain its cricketing glory.