Time to trim back the Proteas?

The South Africa women’s tour of New Zealand has given coach Mandla Mashimbyi and captain Laura Wolvaardt the opportunity to fine-tune plans ahead of the T20 World Cup in England in June in preparation for yet another shot at winning a global tournament after reaching three finals in the last four years.

For the men, however, there has been little at stake apart from ‘broadening the base’ of international talent and providing opportunities for fringe players with fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena and ‘keeper-batsman Connor Esterhuizen doing most to enhance their reputations.

There are concerns, however, that an excess of squad rotation in recent years has diluted the value of the Proteas brand and created disharmony among followers of the men’s team with selection occasionally appearing to take place through a revolving door.

No less than 73 players have worn the Proteas badge in the last four years since Mark Boucher resigned as coach in August 2022.

His successor, Rob Walter, was pragmatic about the need for national white-ball players to ‘maximise their earning potential’ in overseas franchise leagues and to prioritise their national appearances for the most important fixtures.

Test coach Shukri Conrad was dealt a ‘hospital pass’ two years ago when he was forced to select a largely uncapped squad for a two-match series in New Zealand because of SA20 contractual obligations.

Walter, meanwhile, had some distinctly ‘second division’ series – Ireland and Afghanistan in the UAE – which resulted in the selection net being cast even further and wider.

Marquee players have undoubtedly benefitted from not being required to play in every series despite national contracts stipulating their availability for all Proteas fixtures.

PROTEAS NOT THE BOKS

And it has been a two-way benefit with stars like Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen prominent in South Africa’s successful World Test Championship campaign.

Being awarded a Proteas cap, especially a debut, remains a career highlight for young South African cricketers but there are commercial concerns that so many new faces are creating an element of disconnect between followers of the national team and the Proteas brand.

The stark truth about the difference between the Springboks (who often make up to ten changes in the team between games) and the Proteas is…winning.

There is a decent chance that Proteas fans would hardly notice, never mind care about the conveyor belt of players if the results were as consistent as their rugby-playing brothers.

But they are fundamentally different sports in which successful ‘systems and styles’ can incorporate changing personnel with the larger oval ball, but individual skill is paramount with the small red (or white) ball.

The SA Cricketers Association (SACA) has 237 male members, the sum total of professional cricketers in the country.

Even with an average 10 per cent turnover each year with players retiring and new contracts being awarded, 73 players being awarded national caps represents around a quarter.

South Africa produces more professional cricketers of international standard, per capita of population who play the game, than any other country.

It is the reason so many are ‘exported’ into other international teams. And one of the reasons why so many have been rewarded with national honours at home.

It is not a question of blame. Every (or most) selection decision has been taken with sound logic and reason, but some concentrated focus and a bias towards continuity would not only benefit the players, but the team – and their results.

PLAYERS TO HAVE REPRESENTED SA IN TESTS, ODI OR T20I CRICKET IN LAST 4 YEARS

Aiden Markram

Andile Phehlukwayo

Andile Simelane

Anrich Nortje

Beuran Hendricks

Bjorn Fortuin

Clyde Fortuin

Codi Yusuf

Connor Esterhuizen

Corbin Bosch

Dane Paterson