UCB needs to stand up and be counted
by Haze's Comment 31/12/2001, 00:00
Let’s hope the powers that be at the United Cricket Board of South Africa have not confused their jingle bells with their alarm bells.
I have heard for years from all involved with the national team that their aim is to be the best in the world – and let me tell you there is nothing wrong with that goal. My concern is that if that is a genuine aim and not just a throw away line, then now is the time to act.
Gerald Majola it’s time to stand up and be counted.
The boys have got a good smack down under. They have now suddenly realised how huge the gulf is between claiming to be World Champions and bridesmaids. Action needs to be taken immediately to ensure that the skids are on and a platform to build from can be attained.
The following are my concerns for South African cricket and my New Year wish list to improve the current debacle.
Next time the coaching staff, captain and players request experience on board, don’t refuse it. ……eventually. Kepler in Australia would have made an enormous difference from many angles.
Prior to embarking on an international tour, the players need to be sat down and have the potential pit falls spelt out to them. The naivety displayed on the Australian tour has been mind blowing.
Sort out the provincial cricket fiasco. Too many teams have resulted in the standard of cricket at times being appalling. It is no wonder that no one is turning up to watch. I focussed on a game last week (the provinces shall remain nameless to save embarrassment) that was the worst standard of provincial cricket I have ever seen. A club side in Australia would have beaten either team.Get back to six or seven teams immediately. There is no way there are 150 first class standard players in this country. There aren’t even 50. I have been preaching this to deaf ears for 3 years.
The players and management need to embark on a public relations course. One of the reasons that 160,000 people turn up to a rain affected game at the M.C.G. over four days is that they feel close to the team. Some of the South Africans are outstanding but some are shocking and confusing signs are continually projected from within the inner sanctum of the change room. A full time team liaison officer of quality needs to be appointed.
Make some firm decisions about individual’s availability. It’s simple, you either want to play in all forms of the game or you don’t.
The transformation process needs clarification. It is too wishy washy at the moment. We have unearthed some remarkable talent with this implementation and have a substantial platform to work from so perhaps now is the time to re-address the scenario. Wasn’t it a three-year plan anyway?????
Sort out the fixtures list, both on the provincial front and internationally.
The selection of players at times has been baseless and without any plan in mind. The end result being that many individuals have been left confused and disillusioned. Also some have been selected so late that their run of good form has dried up. Let’s hope Jacques Rudolph is not the latest case in point.
It is really logical to have nine people involved in selection. Simplify this ridiculous situation.
The United Cricket Board of South Africa need an effective and meaningful prolonged advertising campaign.
Okay boys its time to roll up the sleeves and get stuck in before it’s too late.
South African cricket has a unique product to work with so let’s not mess it up.