Nobody better to marshall Gibbs than Morne

I read with interest over the weekend that former springbok legend Morne du Plessis has been given the job of mentoring the precocious talent of Herschelle Gibbs over the next six weeks.

Firstly let me state how delighted I was to learn that someone of the stature of Morne has taken guard on this front. I am certain that ‘Scooter’ will benefit enormously. There is no one better.

While Morne gets his textbooks out, I would like to suggest another course that the UCB should instigate. All the current South African cricketers should be tutored on the history of cricket in this country, importantly focusing on the careers of the greats that have worn the national badge so proudly.

I remember during my playing days in Australia, the country’s finest were well drilled on this subject. David Hookes, for example, could rattle off Bradman’s, Lillee’s and the Chappell brothers’ stats in the blink of an eye. He was not alone.

I was reminded of this Australian culture when I skimmed through a recent article by former Australian vice-captain Ian Healy previewing the Ashes, and he stated that one of the main reasons Australia will win the contest is, “their deep love for their country and everyone who has played before them.”

I don’t think I am too far off the mark if I state that considering the current crop of youngsters representing South Africa, very few are well versed in the history of the game.

I can’t see Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini, Lance Klusener, Roger Telemachus, Herschelle Gibbs, Mornantau Hayward or Andre Nel progressing too far in a celebrity sporting version of ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’.

Pride in the national badge is the most powerful motivation around.