Opinion: South Africa fail to walk the talk

AB de Villiers waxed lyrical about individual plans for each opposition batsman, and while the theory sounded plausible, the practical delivery was entirely underwhelming.
South Africa's defeat to India in Cardiff on Thursday can't be viewed in isolation. The bigger picture, which is to ultimately right the many wrongs accrued across several major ICC tournament exits, has been severely dented – and demands quick correction.
AB de Villiers waxed lyrical about individual plans for each opposition batsman, and while the theory sounded plausible, the practical delivery was entirely underwhelming. The seam attack's collective insistence with short-pitched bowling was one-dimensional, and suggested a blanket gameplan rather than one customised for each of Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, etc.
Perhaps the Proteas read too much into Mahendra Singh Dhoni's admission that his troops were at odds with some recent changes to the laws of ODI cricket. Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Rory Kleinveldt certainly appreciated the chance to bowl two bouncers per over, but neither did it to positive effect. This is not the Indian order of old, unable to answer chin music. A harsh lesson duly learnt, despite the characteristic carry on offer on true English pitches.
Granted, injury to Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel necessitated a slight change in direction, but the first- and second-change seamers were found entirely wanting without their main ace – and later his second-in-command. The selectors, with the sage insight of Gary Kirsten, must consider calling up an additional pace resource. A batsmen-heavy squad is now very unbalanced – and the arrival of Chris Morris, Kyle Abbott or Vernon Philander will restore appropriate measure.
Colin Ingram's promotion as an opening batsman didn't work, and if anyone was going to fill the void left by Graeme Smith's injury, it should have been the skipper – or at least Alviro Petersen. South Africa have no qualms in pushing de Villiers to the top of the knock in T20I competition, and the manoeuvre shouldn't be reserved exclusively for the shortest format of the international game.
The hard-hitting de Villiers is, arguably, the country's best limited-overs batsman – and warrants more time at the crease. This ideal will be best served alongside Hashim Amla – against the two new balls. Petersen, meanwhile, can feel aggrieved. A late addition to the squad in the wake of Smith's absence and some fine form in county cricket, the full-time opener was snubbed for Ingram's stopgap role. Teams truly settled on the composition of their XI, genuinely vying for the title, don't make such impulsive decisions.
Part-time spinner JP Duminy's full complement of 10 overs, Robin Peterson's top-order cameo and Ryan McLaren's standalone vigil were consolatory highlights in an otherwise inadequate performance. South Africa will know full well, too, much more will be required against Pakistan – the same Pakistan that outgunned them in the warmup match – come Monday in Birmingham.
<b>Jonhenry Wilson</b>
Latest
-
England
Heather Knight renews call for five-day Tests after South Africa draw
The last women’s Test to end in a victory either way was in 2015.
-
England
Rain forces draw between England and South Africa in Taunton Test
Heather Knight’s side had looked to close in on victory on the final day.
-
England
England’s hopes of rare home Test victory dashed by bad weather at Taunton
Play against South Africa was eventually called off after four rain delays.
-
England
Ben Stokes: Workload of bowlers could be a game-changer
The England captain has admitted he deliberately pushed his team-mates to the limit at Headingley.
-
England
Is Jos Buttler the right man for England white-ball captaincy?
Buttler has been confirmed as Eoin Morgan’s successor in the job.
-
England
Jos Buttler takes over from Eoin Morgan as England’s limited-overs captain
Morgan announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.
-
England
Dom Sibley to return to Surrey from Warwickshire at end of the season
Sibley has played all of his 22 Tests since joining the Bears.
-
England
James Anderson returns for England’s Test against India
Sam Billings also comes in as Ben Foakes and Jamie Overton miss out on the Edgbaston contest.
-
England
England name Sam Billings and James Anderson in XI for Test against India
Billings was drafted in at short notice for his second Test appearance against New Zealand last week as a Covid substitute for Ben Foakes.
-
News
Temporary stand collapses ahead of second day between Sri Lanka and Australia
Cricket Australia confirmed no one was underneath the small makeshift seating area.