SA set dangerous precedent

What a predicament cricket is in at the moment. What repercussions will the decision to’boot out’ Mike Denness have? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, an extremely dangerous precedent has been set.

Let’s hope the ‘Showdown for the Crown’ starting mid December is not affected by these actions.

On the first day of the third and final ‘unofficial’ Test against India at SuperSport Park, thank goodness it is going ahead, the national selectors announced the Test squad to tour Australia. This is the equivalent to ‘start your engines’.

Curiously, convenor of selectors Rushdie Magiet informed some members of the media that should the twelve involved in the third Test all be selected then the side would be announced prior to the end of the Test.

Imagine the anxiety that the likes of Dippenaar, Rudolph and maybe even perhaps Boje would have felt should the side not have been announced early.

I should imagine that sort of pressure is a far from perfect scenario to be burdened with during an all-important clash that will be under an enormous spotlight.

Whilst I was sitting around during the rain affected second test at Port Elizabeth I decided to canvas all our SuperSport commentators, both English and Afrikaans, as to their selections for Australia. I then played the role of convenor and finalised a Test squad.

This is the sixteen members we thought would be boarding the tin budgie come early December for the three Test series. The games will be played at Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Gary Kirsten

An outstanding performer for South Africa over the years and a player who simply gets stuck in when times are tough. Highly respected by theAustralians.

Herschelle Gibbs

Simply South Africa’s best form batsman at the moment who is now showing remarkable maturity. Compliments Kirsten superbly and is a dangerous stroke player.

Jacques Kallis

The best allrounder on show throughout the world.

Neil McKenzie

In the middle of an amazing run of consistency.

Graeme Smith

A very talented classy youngster who may be needed to fill the number three slot should Kallis need a breather following an excessive workload with the ball. Always important to expose new talent to this type of tour.

Boeta Dippenaar

Has not done much wrong and deserves another chance.

Lance Klusener

An extremely dangerous and dominant batsmen who loves caning the Australians. May be required to fulfill a role as a back up bowler.

Mark Boucher

No question of his selection. His mental toughness will prove invaluable.

Shaun Pollock

South Africa’s best weapon and best player.

Nicky Boje

Lacking form and confidence at the moment but may be an important factor particularly with the bat.

Steve Elworthy

Essential back up for the pace department who will get bounce in Australia and will swing the ball. Showing outstanding current form.

Makhaya Ntini

Currently lacking in form but energetic and bustling.

Mornantau Hayward

Every side needs an ear nose and throat specialist.

Jacques Rudolph

A remarkably exciting young talent whose performances cannot be ignored by the selectors.

Allan Donald

Fitness is an obvious concern but must be picked to add valuable experience.

Paul Adams

Two of the Tests are to be played on turning tracks and there is no point in taking two left arm orthodox bowlers. Form in the SuperSport series points to a resurgence of form.

I wonder how close we will be?