Tough selection calls needed

It’s time for the national selectors to make some tough calls.

The squad to tour Sri Lanka is about to be announced and I hope the decision makers have decided to break the mould. Over the years rather conservative selections have dominated the thought process. The selectors have ignored fresh young talent that could develop into playmakers of the future.

There have been a handful of players who, year in year out, have been asked to pack their bags in the hope that they will at some stage reach their full potential. It is time for some soul searching and some hard calls to be made. By now is should be easy to isolate those individuals and assess if they have got what it takes. If they haven’t…..omit them. It only takes a couple of new names to alter the complexion of a unit and spark enthusiasm.

With the new franchise system in place, players will now be scoring meaningful runs or taking wickets that serve notice. It is just such a pity it has taken so long for the platform for these reference points to come to the fore.

It is so important that some selections, particularly for tours, reflect the future. Now is the time to ensure some exciting new talent is on the silver budgie to Sri Lanka. Australia have done that successfully over the years and those entrusted individuals have flown the flag for years to come. A perfect case currently in point is the selection of Michael Clarke who, mark my words, is going to be a world-beater. He has been chosen at the expense of Michael Bevan. You’ll agree, not a bad player to leave out!

An individual from the Western Cape by the name of J. P. Duminy is worth the nod. He will certainly figure on a regular basis soon and with another tour to the subcontinent just around the corner, he will benefit from experiencing Asian conditions now. My guess is he will surprise a few immediately.

The bowling is also a concern. Simply put, there are too many bowlers that deliver a similar front. Kallis is now taking more of a back seat when it comes to the ball so that luxury is no longer available. Swing bowling is of paramount importance. Variation is essential. Ideally, a left arm swing bowler would fit the bill perfectly. Is Cliffie Deacon someone who is up to it? What about Alfonso Thomas? The likes of Smith, Simons and Kirsten will be able to answer that one.

South Africa has a core of extremely talented and gifted cricketers that can carry the brunt of expectation.

There are some new guys knocking fairly hard at the door that deserve a chance.

It’s time for the national selectors to make some tough calls.