Calamitous Klusener

I cannot believe the temerity of Lance Klusener.

Rightly so, he was once a national hero. Lance’s recent behaviour has sadly helped to erode that memory. His legend would have been further enhanced if he had just put his head down in a determined fashion to get back in the team. Instead he took a different route.

Only a few weeks ago, in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated ‘disturbance’ campaign, he announced to the world that he was to sue the United Cricket Board of South Africa based on a case of loss of earnings.

Apparently he felt that his omission from the new contract listing was worth some legal action after he was led to believe he would be amongst the privileged few. Privileged is the key word here.

He announced his proposed action just as the boys arrived in the UK and to me that stank. Graeme Smith had his work cut out trying to mould his troops into a competitive unit and did not need this somewhat childish hindrance hogging the headlines.

The United Cricket Board, through some strongly worded comments from legal eagle Brandon Foot, tried to put out the flames and importantly brought to the attention of everyone the dangers of this precedent.

If that was not enough, a week after most had finished sniggering at the audacity of Klusener, it emerged that now his focus of attention was the captain himself.

Alleged defamation of character was his grounds this time. I could not believe that a former champion was stooping this low.

For some reason, the man who holds the career award from journalists as the most surly sportsman around, feels he has a right to represent his country. No one has that right, it is a privilege.

Along with the fact that his change-room attitude and general demeanor have been substandard for years and his recent performances mediocre, surely he should have seen the writing on the wall as the new guard took control.

It’s time to move on Lance. While you’re moving be careful of that foot you have shot yourself in.