Faf du Plessis v Transformation v Reality

[barah_admi]

South Africa are about to suffer yet another humiliating defeat, following on from an noncompetitive loss to India and a home loss to a sub par, weakened Sri Lanka side. There has been so much talk of transformation targets, black African players and their representation, or lack of coupled with the age old discussion on quotas. Yet, what about the white cricketers that have failed to step up time and time again, why all this talk regarding Bavuma when this current side, which has failed to meet several transformation targets....yet they are still losing. Why is that?

The reality of the situation is that South African cricket has to face two honest questions -

What is the worth of Faf du Plessis as captain and player?

Why are white South African players not blamed for abandoning their country?

First regarding du Plessis, he has not even managed to average 30 in the last 2 years, as a main middle order batsman he has only 2 centuries and his captaincy has lacked both insight and inspiration. His continued opposition to targets sets a bad example to the rest of SA cricketing structure and to the wider sporting picture. He has failed to lead in deed and by example. In the test arena at least, what is his worth or even position in the side?

Then we get to the bigger problem of white South African cricketers abandoning their country, using tenuous links to Britain, New Zealand or Australia and earning money there instead of trying to forge an international career. The best recent example is that of Duanne Olivier, who was given several international opportunities and looked to be in the country's plans for the future. He gave that up to earn more money in Englands lucrative County structure. Unlike he popular narrative, it is not white cricketers not receiving opportunities or being unfairly treated, it is privileged cricketers with a foot in the door who give it all up for more money elsewhere.

Unless South Africa cricket is honest and willing to tackle these issues, their country will plunge deeper depths than those that it fell into since the match fixing scandal a generation earlier. It is time to be open and introspective.

 

[Mamoon]

Faf knows he is finished but he is in a tough position. South Africa are struggling to replace Amla and de Villiers and he doesn’t want to add to the woes by retiring now.

However, unlike de Villiers, he doesn’t owe CSA anything and he shouldn’t dent his legacy for the sake of the team.

de Kock is ready to be the captain.

 

[Last Monetarist]

de Kock is ready to be the captain.

They probably will appoint de Kock, but as shown by his shot yesterday evening or even the stroke he played in the last session on day 5 at Newlands, he's too flighty a character to be a good leader. He more often than not tends to succumb under pressure and has never really displayed any great game intelligence.

Unfortunately, Aiden Markram's position in the team is by no means secure, so he's not a captaincy option at this stage either. I'd probably appoint Elgar as a stop-gap option with a younger player as vice captain.

 

[barah_admi]

They probably will appoint de Kock, but as shown by his shot yesterday evening or even the stroke he played in the last session on day 5 at Newlands, he's too flighty a character to be a good leader. He more often than not tends to succumb under pressure and has never really displayed any great game intelligence.

Unfortunately, Aiden Markram's position in the team is by no means secure, so he's not a captaincy option at this stage either. I'd probably appoint Elgar as a stop-gap option with a younger player as vice captain.

I think De Kock as captain would be a mistake...then again, who else can there be? Maybe if AB makes a return but I am not so sure about that. The worst part is that SA have to carry a batsman who is so poor in recent times...just because they don't have a captaincy candidate. Sounds a bit like the days of Sarfraz as captain in Pak.

The bigger issue is that Faf, CSA and everyone else refuses to be honest about all this...AND the situation of transformation targets.

 

[Savak]

Lol Proteas should just take a risk and make Rabada the captain, he is the only one who makes the team on merit in all formats. Carrying on with Faf is just setting the wrong example

 

[liam26]

Faf has too much responsibility on his shoulders.

 

[Ab Fan]

The only solution for South Africa is AB de Villiers comeback. He is not gonna win them a World Cup or a no.1 test ranking but will ensure South Africa wins atleast those matches which they should win.

There has been so drama done on it but there is nothing wrong in going back for it. When AB wanted to retire, he retired. When he asked for a comeback, he was said, it's too late. Its done both ways. Now it's time for SA to think deeply and smartly about the current turmoil of SA cricket and bring back de Villiers for the SA cricket revival.

He is an exceptional bat, he showed it with his comeback performance in those two test series. He can carry the SA lineup the only condition is if SA team management wants and if AB wants.

 

[Savak]

The only solution for South Africa is AB de Villiers comeback. He is not gonna win them a World Cup or a no.1 test ranking but will ensure South Africa wins atleast those matches which they should win.

There has been so drama done on it but there is nothing wrong in going back for it. When AB wanted to retire, he retired. When he asked for a comeback, he was said, it's too late. Its done both ways. Now it's time for SA to think deeply and smartly about the current turmoil of SA cricket and bring back de Villiers for the SA cricket revival.

He is an exceptional bat, he showed it with his comeback performance in those two test series. He can carry the SA lineup the only condition is if SA team management wants and if AB wants.

Allowing ABD back will set the wrong precedent. You cannot retire, comeback, retire, comeback as you wish especially when the national team needed you. CSA privately tried very hard to negotiate with ABD before he announced his retirement on a workload management plan but he still refused and retired. Good on CSA to tell him to take a hike.

 

[minamino]

Why should white South Africans be blamed for leaving the country? The transformation and quota system has made it difficult for them to get into playing XIs of cricket at every level be it domestic or national team.

Cricket is their bread and butter and everyone likes to earn money and feed their families.

 

[The Viper]

Faf has regressed big time, yet the problem is who will become captain.

De Kock does not have the body language or leadership mindset and the others are inexperienced.

There have been rumours that Temba Bavuma will be the next captain, but that would be a terrible decision. Picking somebody who has scored one ton in their whole career with a mediocre average is not the best example to set.

Things look bleak for SA. Despite his personality, De Kock is the best choice available.

 

[Savak]

Faf has regressed big time, yet the problem is who will become captain.

De Kock does not have the body language or leadership mindset and the others are inexperienced.

There have been rumours that Temba Bavuma will be the next captain, but that would be a terrible decision. Picking somebody who has scored one ton in their whole career with a mediocre average is not the best example to set.

Things look bleak for SA. Despite his personality, De Kock is the best choice available.

Giving it to Rabada will be the bolder move. He is the only first choice pick in all formats for them. If they want to really embolden blacks in South African Cricket, make him the captain then

 

[TeymurBlake]

I'm afraid for Faf his time has come. At the ripe age of 36 its time for him to step down and let some new take there chance. Whether Bavuma, De Bruyn or J.Malan should be tried.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Faf's time in Tests is done. He knows it and he's hoping to bow out after the West Indies series. In ODIs and T20s though he still has a place. Just look at his ranking in ODIs. He averages 47. For South Africa, only Amla and de Villiers have a higher average. In T20Is too he has a terrific record. He is South Africa's third highest run-getter, averages 35 with a SR of 135 and has a century to boot. South Africa needs him in limited-overs because they basically only have de Kock and vd Dussen who are regulars in the batting. Even Miller is regressing.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The only solution for South Africa is AB de Villiers comeback. He is not gonna win them a World Cup or a no.1 test ranking but will ensure South Africa wins atleast those matches which they should win.

There has been so drama done on it but there is nothing wrong in going back for it. When AB wanted to retire, he retired. When he asked for a comeback, he was said, it's too late. Its done both ways. Now it's time for SA to think deeply and smartly about the current turmoil of SA cricket and bring back de Villiers for the SA cricket revival.

He is an exceptional bat, he showed it with his comeback performance in those two test series. He can carry the SA lineup the only condition is if SA team management wants and if AB wants.

AB alone cannot carry their skeleton of a test team. They need to rebuild. They already have the bowlers: Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi, they should give Malan, Markram, de Bruyn, vd Dussen and Bavuma extended runs. de Villiers does not seem to have the will or desire to play test cricket anymore. Even if he comes back it will be for T20Is.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Faf knows he is finished but he is in a tough position. South Africa are struggling to replace Amla and de Villiers and he doesn’t want to add to the woes by retiring now.

However, unlike de Villiers, he doesn’t owe CSA anything and he shouldn’t dent his legacy for the sake of the team.

de Kock is ready to be the captain.

de Kock would make a terrible captain.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I think De Kock as captain would be a mistake...then again, who else can there be? Maybe if AB makes a return but I am not so sure about that. The worst part is that SA have to carry a batsman who is so poor in recent times...just because they don't have a captaincy candidate. Sounds a bit like the days of Sarfraz as captain in Pak.

The bigger issue is that Faf, CSA and everyone else refuses to be honest about all this...AND the situation of transformation targets.

I agree, de Kock hasn't matured at all as a test player and is by no means ready to be a leader in the long format. It would be advisable for them to see how he does at leading the white ball sides first.

For me, Markram is the only long-term test captaincy candidate at the moment, however, he has struggled technically and mentally with the pressures of international cricket. I don't see any solution apart from giving it to Elgar at this stage.

 

[Last Monetarist]

On the wider transformation issue, it seems as if Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher are purposely ignoring it in the hope it goes away. In my view, it is irresponsible to select average white cricketers who are over the age of 30 i.e. Malan and van der Dussen; as there's no long-term value to be had from selecting them. It's just papering over the cracks and I'd rather give that opportunity to non-white players instead as the results are not likely to be drastically different.

South Africa need to get back to basics - such as what they did back in 2003 and 2004 - and identify a pool of young cricketers (both white and non-white) who they believe will be able to grow together over a period of time and serve South Africa for the next decade or so.

 

[Mamoon]

While people who are questioning de Kock’s temperament do make good points, I feel that it is a risk worth taking. Many cricketers have elevated their performances due to the added responsibility. De Kock is an incredibly talented player and responsibility of captaincy could be the push he needs to reach the stature of players like Kohli and Smith, which is where someone of his talent should ideally be.

It could also negatively impact him too, but ultimately it is a risk worth taking and an idea worth exploring. Settling for a ‘boring’ but relatively less risky option like Elgar may not spark the energy that CSA needs at this point.

 

[minamino]

On the wider transformation issue, it seems as if Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher are purposely ignoring it in the hope it goes away. In my view, it is irresponsible to select average white cricketers who are over the age of 30 i.e. Malan and van der Dussen; as there's no long-term value to be had from selecting them. It's just papering over the cracks and I'd rather give that opportunity to non-white players instead as the results are not likely to be drastically different.

South Africa need to get back to basics - such as what they did back in 2003 and 2004 - and identify a pool of young cricketers (both white and non-white) who they believe will be able to grow together over a period of time and serve South Africa for the next decade or so.

How Malan and Dussen are average cricketers? I can make sure they are much better than that midget Bavuma who has scored just one ton in his whole Test career in 5 years.

 

[Last Monetarist]

While people who are questioning de Kock’s temperament do make good points, I feel that it is a risk worth taking. Many cricketers have elevated their performances due to the added responsibility. De Kock is an incredibly talented player and responsibility of captaincy could be the push he needs to reach the stature of players like Kohli and Smith, which is where someone of his talent should ideally be.

It could also negatively impact him too, but ultimately it is a risk worth taking and an idea worth exploring. Settling for a ‘boring’ but relatively less risky option like Elgar may not spark the energy that CSA needs at this point.

I am all for giving de Kock the white ball captaincy. Throughout his test career, he's shown that he doesn't relish responsibility and only thrives when given license to throw the bat around without regard for the consequences. Remember how hopelessly he performed when he was asked to move up the order in England in 2017, and even his performance in recent series when the team is under pressure shows that he's not a good role model.

There's nothing to suggest that captaincy would elevate his performance. He should try his hand at captaining the ODI and T20 sides, as he is much more aware of his role in those sides. If he's good enough, he can take over the test team in a couple of years. You are downplaying the risk that he might completely collapse with the added responsibility, he's too good a player for South Africa to jeopardize his future. This whole idea of giving the most high profile player in the team the captaincy is utterly flawed in any case.

I'd ideally have Markram as captain, but he has sadly regressed over the last year or so. They desperately need to inject youth into the side. They will go nowhere no matter who is captain if they continue selecting journeymen cricketers to do a job in the short-term.

 

[barah_admi]

I agree, de Kock hasn't matured at all as a test player and is by no means ready to be a leader in the long format. It would be advisable for them to see how he does at leading the white ball sides first.

For me, Markram is the only long-term test captaincy candidate at the moment, however, he has struggled technically and mentally with the pressures of international cricket. I don't see any solution apart from giving it to Elgar at this stage.

Markram is another one, as you mention, with problems in his form and technique. Then again, he is young enough to possibly improve...but his lack of mental strength/resilience may be an even bigger issue. Again, he is just so new to things, he may be the one to lead the side forward.

On the wider transformation issue, it seems as if Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher are purposely ignoring it in the hope it goes away. In my view, it is irresponsible to select average white cricketers who are over the age of 30 i.e. Malan and van der Dussen; as there's no long-term value to be had from selecting them. It's just papering over the cracks and I'd rather give that opportunity to non-white players instead as the results are not likely to be drastically different.

South Africa need to get back to basics - such as what they did back in 2003 and 2004 - and identify a pool of young cricketers (both white and non-white) who they believe will be able to grow together over a period of time and serve South Africa for the next decade or so.

Smith and Boucher are major issues and i mentioned it in a thread after their initial hirings. The way they have come into the set up and tried to bulldoze the national issue is not just alarming but shocking. Both these men played with and saw their country become world beaters due to an influx of non white cricketers, from Ntini to Amla to Tahir and so on. For them to be so belligerent on the issue now is a sad sad way to advance one's life. Much like MIsbah and his post playing days of being pundit and now selector cum coach.

How Malan and Dussen are average cricketers? I can make sure they are much better than that midget Bavuma who has scored just one ton in his whole Test career in 5 years.

Why is Bavuma used as the standard for non white players?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

BREAKING NEWS: Morrisville Samp Army’s Faf du Plessis hints at an international comeback during Abu Dhabi T10

Abu Dhabi, 5th December 2023: Ahead of Morrisville Samp Army’s clash with Bangla Tigers in the 2023 edition of Abu Dhabi T10 on Tuesday, veteran batter Faf du Plessis opened up on prospects of making a return to international cricket. With India set to tour South Africa for three T20Is in December, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup set to be played just after six months, rumours have been circulating that Faf, along with a couple of other senior players, might be coming back for an international stint

On being asked about the same during the pre-match broadcast interview, Faf said, "I believe that I can return to international cricket as well. We have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. It's just figuring out the balance of the T20 World Cup next year. It's certainly something we have spoken about with the new coach. Watch this space."

The 39-year-old continues to be one of the fittest players in cricket at the moment – despite his age. On being asked about his workout routine, Faf said, "I do a lot of hard work to ensure I look after my body to be able to play this brilliant game we love so much. When you do get a little bit older, you have to make sure you put in the work. Otherwise, the hamstring and other body parts do not work that well. There is a lot of fast running and a lot of stuff to make sure that level where you can play against the best players in the world.”

This is the second time that the former South Africa Captain is competing in the Abu Dhabi T10. Faf du Plessis’ Morrisville Samp Army retained a top position in the table after a six-wicket win over Bangla Tigers on Tuesday. Speaking on his experiences of the cricket’s fastest format, Faf said, "It is certainly easier the second time around. The first time I came, I was thinking that T20 and T10 are very similar, but it's not. It's very different. My first year was very much a learning opportunity. Now I am a little bit more comfortable slogging from the first ball.”

Faf also added that he finds the Abu Dhabi T10 an exciting tournament because it has proven to be a platform for developing young talent.

"I think for me the most exciting thing is that there are so many players that surprise you so much. When you play against someone you have not played across. The effectiveness can happen on any day no matter what the name is because the format is so short, you have to be on top of your end game to compete with the skillset there is," he signed off.

 

[Asad T]

Even though Faf is in good form and is looking as fit as an ox the South African team needs to move on now. They have such good players anyway.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The question is will it be enough for SA to win a wt20?