Sidebottom's success and South African cricket

[Wanderer]

Its old news that the Protea attack is one-dimensional. Alan Donald believes that Ryan Sidebottom's success against the Windies last week should be a "wake-up call to Protea selectors". Why?

Well, AD believes Sidebottom is no more special than a Charl Willoughby or Yusuf Abdullah (I agree on Abdullah)
but that the focus here (in SA) is on instant success.

I think Willoughby has signed a Kolpak deal however.

[gibbs_fan]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Its old news that the Protea attack is one-dimensional. Alan Donald believes that Ryan Sidebottom's success against the Windies last week should be a "wake-up call to Protea selectors". Why?

Well, AD believes Sidebottom is no more special than a Charl Willoughby or Yusuf Abdullah (I agree on Abdullah)
but that the focus here (in SA) is on instant success.

I think Willoughby has signed a Kolpak deal however.

Well, I was always a fan of Willoughby but when he was picked for SA in England(conditions that should suit him) he failed. He is however far too old now. As for Abdullah, I have seen him and sometimes he impresses but I would not even think about trying him at this stage. If you want swing, Dale Steyn will give it to you. Also, in SA, swing bowlers are not as successful. Remember Dewald Pretorius, excellent prospect who was humiliated in test cricket. Wher is he now.

Anway, AD is talking rubbish as usual. He sold out to England. He is just like Kepler, plenty to say but not willing to help. Why is he not helping SA cricket. SA have Langeveldt in the squad, so if they want variety, they need just pick him and a spinner. Which spinner, is an entirely different debate.

[Wanderer]

Willoughby is on the wrong side of 30, yes. But the average age of the Aussie cricket side is 30, right? Anyhow, he is lost to SA cricket anyway.

The issue is variety in the attack, and Dale Steyn is just another right arm seamer.

How many left arm seamers are there in SA domestic cricket anyway? Abdullah? Kops?

And as regards to AD “selling out”…I don’t agree. Ever since he stopped playing he has always stated he wanted to be of assistance to SA bowlers at the highest level. CSA never wanted to give him that opportunity. Now England has. What is he to do?

Yes, guys like Kepler, Fanie and others have been speaking their minds on the state of cricket in SA. They have been there…they have something to offer. If CSA don’t want to make use of their abilities, so be it.

If Kepler can be appointed to coach the Emerging players squad, then maybe CSA is finally moving in the right direction?

[pie_chucker]

Originally Posted by gibbs_fan

Anway, AD is talking rubbish as usual. He sold out to England.

Like Wanderer I dont agree AD sold out. Given the choice he would have taken a job with CSA rather than the ECB. However CSA's loss is Englands gain. He has already done a good job with our bowlers and will probably be another Troy Cooley.

He will probably do a Cooley though and return to his "home" country to coach, its just that it will cost CSA 10 times as much.