Thanks for the memories

The start of the New Year is always an ideal time to reflect on the status of South African cricket and jog the memory and highlight some of the outstanding moments of the past 12 months.

Firstly, let me state categorically that South African cricket on a national level is alive and thriving. The sadness of April 2000 will hopefully soon be behind us once and for all and the team under a new skipper has excelled.

Shaun Pollock was thrust into the hot seat and the manner in which he has taken over the reigns has impressed all and sundry. Many pundits, I was one, said that he is simply too good a player to be lumbered with the burden of captaincy, and that his individual performance would suffer. How wrong I was. His refreshing approach has been a revelation and importantly once the team enjoyed success under his leadership he has gone to great lengths to stamp an attitude of positiveness on the team.

This augurs well for entertainment and hopefully will re-ignite fanatical support for Polly and his boys. They are a powerful unit with a superb blend of youth and experience and along with Australia are head and shoulders above the other test playing nations. What a pity we have to wait for this time next year for the showdown between the two. Still it will be worth waiting for.

Now for some memorable moments. The South African victory of the year in test match cricket goes to that magnificent win over Sri Lanka in Kandy. After losing the first test by an innings, it was victory by seven runs in a very tense encounter. SA showed admirable fighting skills and, significantly, intense planning and homework done by the brains trust following the first test thrashing.

The one-day victory of the year was way back in April against Australia in Durban. The side showed remarkable unity and pride considering what had transpired only a few days before, resulting in the sacking of Cronje. Not many people gave South Africa much of a chance during that challenge series but they triumphed in scintillating style.

The catch of the year was taken by Jacques Kallis in March in Sharjah against Pakistan. He was running back from mid-on ith the ball coming over his shoulder and quite honestly had no chance. At the last moment he twisted his body at right angles to the right and at full tilt held a blinder.

Kallis also wins my award for South African Player of the Year with his consummate professionalism. Whether it be his catching, bowling or batting he simply exudes class and will do for some time to come. He is proud, hungry, enormously skilful and always unflustered. Any youngster, need look no further than Jacques for a role model.

My most improved award is an easy one, Nicky Boje, In the space of 12 months his confidence levels have skyrocketed and he is now a world class allrounder. It all started for Nicky in India and continued at an astonishing rate for the rest of the year, culminating in a polished performance against the Kiwis in the one-day game. He is now South Africa’s number one spinner, an accomplished middle-order batsman, and outstanding team man.

My choice as prospect of the year is also simple. Mfuneko Ngam has burst onto the scene and made many a batsman take note. “Black Thunder” has all the important attributes of a top quality fast bowler. He’s quick, has aggression to burn, yet displays terrific control. Nothing is more exciting than a young quick bowler exploding onto the international arena. Let’s hope his injury concerns are behind him.

My last accolade is reserved for coach Graham Ford. He has gone about his work in a dedicated fashion, ably support by assistant coach Corrie van Zyl.

Well done boys, thanks for the memories.