PROTEAS - A FADING DYNASTY?

Protea Cricket fans were looking forward to their side surpassing  all expectations of success against England at Kingmead.  So far not, and unlikely at the conclusion of the 1st Test.

Despite the fact that there still remains buckets of beer to be consumed by the fans, "Monday morning quarterbacks" have commenced in earnest castigating players, coaches and selectors.  Although it has not surfaced yet, the issue of transformation may be debated as well.

Those who complain are justified in doing so. The Proteas performance has been generally lackluster, tentative and lethargic.  In fact, mediocre at best.

If blame is to be apportioned for the Proteas disappointing performance, the selectors bear the brunt of it.  For example, the decision that AB de Villiers keep wicket was a poor one.    It is a physical task better suited for a younger player who is not in his cricketing twilight years.  He should have been selected for what he does best - batting, without the added wicketkeeping responsibility. Whoever has the selectors' ear whisper the name Quentin de Kock to take over wicketkeeping for the 2nd Test.

Besides including de Kock, other batsmen must be included to replace a weak Protea middle batting order.  It is not too late to make remedial changes.  Hopefully it can then be said the selectors will have earned their keep.  Thus far, they haven't.