Too Many Cooks

South African cricket has in the minds of many, reached an all time low when it comes toon-field activities. Being beaten by the Australiansis not really the total issue; it’s the way it has happened.

Since the start of the series against the Australians last year until the final match of the tour,and the SA "A" match againstIndia, a total of 43 players have been selected. Even more frightening is the factthat a total of 28 have been selected to play in either a Test or a LOI this season.

It is hard to believe that the total number of players used in the "A" team is 29! It is far too many. A good example of thisshotgun approach has been the selection of Graeme Smith.

Remember, he only got selected on the basis of Cullinan withdrawing. He then got left out ofthe one-day squad and had to wait until Kirsten was dropped. Surely if Smith wasidentified as a player of the future and was picked for the Test team that won the only Test in Durban, heshould have been in the squad at least. I cango on and on, but labouring the point will really serve no purpose.

What has to happen as soon as the Aussies fly out, is that the UCB get a meeting together, which includes all the role players, and a newstrategy needs to be thrashed out. Only cricketing issues should be addressed.

The problem as I see it will be to implement the changes quickly. It is goingto take real visionary leadership combined with a boldness that could even entail committing eventual political suicide.

There are clearly two distinct issues that need urgent attention. The first one is the World Cup 2003 plan. The second is the system that makes thecricket system tick.

Fortunately, because of the limited time available to the World Cup, the two will nothave an impact on each other. They will for thenext World Cup in 2007.

Selecting a squad to prepare for the World Cup must now be a priority. However, the present selection panel should definitely not be entrustedwith this responsibility. Their track record lacks the credibility to match the task. The coaching staff as well asthe team management and captaincy has tobe finalized urgently.

Persistent rumours pertaining to these appointments allow for dissension in the ranks. However, the most important aspect ofall needs to be accountability. It should be firmly entrenched in the minds of the chosen few. It is for this single reason that all the role playersneed to buy into a common goal.

Right now the players blame selectors, the management blames players, the selectors say they are communicating, the coaching staffsay they are not consulted and the public say what the hell is going on. I would shudder to think what the sponsors say!

The Supersport final starts on Thursday and both the Dolphins and the Titans want a win badly. Provincial players will always look back on their timewhen and if they won a trophy and treasure the moment.

My only wish is that supporters of cricket in South Africa show an interest in the match.The match is being televised live but will in all probability be played in frontof a small crowd. The players deserve better.

May the best team win.