Romeo
12 Apr 2006, 08:18
I don't think they're happy over in the land of the Protea.
Proteas: Tail wagging the dog
Christo Buchner, Beeld
Johannesburg - The tail is wagging the dog in the South African cricket team.
This is the view of the former convener of the national selection committee, Omar Henry, now that he is on the other side of the fence.
Omar said at the SuperSport final between the Dolphins and the Titans in Durban: "The senior players are in control and they want to tell those who should be in control what to do. This just cannot be allowed.
"The problem is that there are not enough tough characters in control of affairs who can tell the players where to get off and put them in their place. It's a disgrace that South Africa are now sixth on the world rankings."
Although he remains convinced that Graeme Smith (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1915071,00.html#) is the best choice to captain the side, he thinks Smith should get more guidance by the people who are control of affairs.
"When I was convener, I just used to say that here are the 11 players with whom you have to go into a match and lead to the best of your ability.
"At that stage he (Smith) was still wet behind the ears and had to be told what to do. Now I get the impression he prescribes who must play and what must happen. It just doesn't work this way.
"The selectors and a coach must give him the right guidance and he has to abide by their decisions."
Henry said he was stunned when vice-captain, Jacques Kallis, said after the final Test against Australia that Smith could have his job back with pleasure.
Kallis, who had replaced the injured Smith, said afterwards that it was too much hard work to be captain.
"Do they just want to stand around and accept their money? Obviously it's hard work to be the captain, but that's why you're appointed in a leadership position. You get more money than the other players, because you have extra responsibilities.
"I get the idea that the players have everything too easy these days and they're not prepared to work for what comes their way. That's why I believe there must be a firm hand at the helm that can shake them awake. The players must not be allowed to say how things must be done."
Players must make their contribution
Meanwhile the national cricket coach, Mickey Arthur, has spelt it out to the players that he is waiting for them to make their contribution.
Arthur said: "I believe the correct structures and combinations are in place, but the players now have the responsibility to give the performance we expect of them.
"The series against New Zealand is the one we must use to return to the status we deserve in Test cricket. There can be no more excuses.
"I know we are still a young Test team and there are a few things still to be addressed, but we're playing New Zealand, India and Pakistan in our next three home Test series and all of them are higher than us on the rankings. I want us to beat all of them," the coach said.
Something that bothers him and must be addressed against New Zealand is that South Africa do not score enough runs in their first innings.
"Another problem is that our bowlers can't take 20 wickets.
"That's why Dale Steyn is a strong contender for a place in the Test team, because he has the ability to take wickets. We need someone who can support Makhaya (Ntini) and lessen his work load."
Referring to injuries, Arthur said Smith's chances to play in the first Test in Centurion against the Kiwis from Saturday are still 50-50.
"He consulted a specialist on Monday, but I believe Graeme will be able to play. He's a tough guy and won't want to miss the Test.
"Nella (Andre Nel) should also be ready, but we'll have to work on his fitness."
The players gather on Thursday and a decision will then be taken who will play.
Arthur believes Shaun Pollock (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1915071,00.html#), who plays in his 100th Test for South Africa and Jacques Kallis (who plays his 99th Test (it is actually his 100th Test, because he played for the World Team against Australia in the Super Test series last year) will give the team confidence. The Test will be special, because the Kiwi captain, Stephen Fleming, will also
Proteas: Tail wagging the dog
Christo Buchner, Beeld
Johannesburg - The tail is wagging the dog in the South African cricket team.
This is the view of the former convener of the national selection committee, Omar Henry, now that he is on the other side of the fence.
Omar said at the SuperSport final between the Dolphins and the Titans in Durban: "The senior players are in control and they want to tell those who should be in control what to do. This just cannot be allowed.
"The problem is that there are not enough tough characters in control of affairs who can tell the players where to get off and put them in their place. It's a disgrace that South Africa are now sixth on the world rankings."
Although he remains convinced that Graeme Smith (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1915071,00.html#) is the best choice to captain the side, he thinks Smith should get more guidance by the people who are control of affairs.
"When I was convener, I just used to say that here are the 11 players with whom you have to go into a match and lead to the best of your ability.
"At that stage he (Smith) was still wet behind the ears and had to be told what to do. Now I get the impression he prescribes who must play and what must happen. It just doesn't work this way.
"The selectors and a coach must give him the right guidance and he has to abide by their decisions."
Henry said he was stunned when vice-captain, Jacques Kallis, said after the final Test against Australia that Smith could have his job back with pleasure.
Kallis, who had replaced the injured Smith, said afterwards that it was too much hard work to be captain.
"Do they just want to stand around and accept their money? Obviously it's hard work to be the captain, but that's why you're appointed in a leadership position. You get more money than the other players, because you have extra responsibilities.
"I get the idea that the players have everything too easy these days and they're not prepared to work for what comes their way. That's why I believe there must be a firm hand at the helm that can shake them awake. The players must not be allowed to say how things must be done."
Players must make their contribution
Meanwhile the national cricket coach, Mickey Arthur, has spelt it out to the players that he is waiting for them to make their contribution.
Arthur said: "I believe the correct structures and combinations are in place, but the players now have the responsibility to give the performance we expect of them.
"The series against New Zealand is the one we must use to return to the status we deserve in Test cricket. There can be no more excuses.
"I know we are still a young Test team and there are a few things still to be addressed, but we're playing New Zealand, India and Pakistan in our next three home Test series and all of them are higher than us on the rankings. I want us to beat all of them," the coach said.
Something that bothers him and must be addressed against New Zealand is that South Africa do not score enough runs in their first innings.
"Another problem is that our bowlers can't take 20 wickets.
"That's why Dale Steyn is a strong contender for a place in the Test team, because he has the ability to take wickets. We need someone who can support Makhaya (Ntini) and lessen his work load."
Referring to injuries, Arthur said Smith's chances to play in the first Test in Centurion against the Kiwis from Saturday are still 50-50.
"He consulted a specialist on Monday, but I believe Graeme will be able to play. He's a tough guy and won't want to miss the Test.
"Nella (Andre Nel) should also be ready, but we'll have to work on his fitness."
The players gather on Thursday and a decision will then be taken who will play.
Arthur believes Shaun Pollock (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1915071,00.html#), who plays in his 100th Test for South Africa and Jacques Kallis (who plays his 99th Test (it is actually his 100th Test, because he played for the World Team against Australia in the Super Test series last year) will give the team confidence. The Test will be special, because the Kiwi captain, Stephen Fleming, will also