Do-Or-Die Saga For SA

The second Test is a do-or-die saga for the Proteas. Not only would losing the Test mean passing up the opportunity of playing for the title ofnumber one in the world in Durban, it would also further heighten the pressure to make significant changes in almost every sphere of South African cricket.

The team selected definitely carries an element of hope, but at the same time indicates to me that the selection panel are at a point where theyare prepared to gamble to achieve anything right now.

Right now Shaun Pollock has not proven to himself, let alone the selection panel, that he is fit to play.With that in mind I find it very strange that some alternative plan hasn’t been announced as far as the captaincyis concerned.

Will Boucher do it again or is Cullinan in line for it after captaining the 'A' team? Boje was expected to be dropped but the selection of Paul Adams leaves no doubt that Henderson’s performance inAustralia was of absolutely no consequence. (He took 8 for 140 in total)

Adams last played in a first class match for Western Province some 3 weeks ago and has notbeen a regular selection for the entire season. In his last 3 Tests (two in SA and one in Australia) against the Aussies, he has taken 5 for 300 runs.

Now that is certainly not going to make Steve Waugh and his team sleep badly!

Bringing Cullinan back into the team certainly adds experience and class to assist Kallis with stabilizing the middle order. He has shown form of lateand we can only hope that he can overcome the ghosts of the past when confronted with Warne and his mind games.

The Aussies will look to exploit every opportunity they get to open old wounds.

Dewald Pretorius has always impressed with his away swing and attitude to learn and give 100%. Why it has taken so long to recognize that his technique is good and that he is ready to play at a higher level beats me.Just maybe by playing in a team that hasn’t done well this season has hampered his cause.

The Newlands pitch is expected to be a good one for the duration of the Test. The fact that a team has been announced so early without a look onthe morning of the Test to decide on a combination means that the Aussies can certainly do their planning very early. Just maybe we’ve missed anotheropportunity!

Speculation from all quarters concerning the coaching and management staff has been rife and by all accounts, the performance in the Cape Town Testwill determine whether radical steps need to be taken. Unfortunately when emotions run high, logical thinking is something that is very hard toachieve.

My only hope is that somehow the Proteas can rally together for the sake of our proud cricketing folk and do their ability justice.

The dropping of Mark Waugh from the Aussie team signals a new era for them and as someone who played against both brothers, I can certainly say thatthe limited overs cricket they played all over the world was of the highest quality and raised the bar for many to follow.

For the young guns to follow in their footsteps will be a huge ask.