Taibu seeks to play for S.A

[Utseyalitharan]

“I will never return to the Zimbabwe side and I want to play Test cricket. South Africa is the best option,” he said.

Do you think he will make it into the test first 11...i dont think so, he might fail to get a place in the S.A Academy.

Wotcu all think...

[butchering lee]

Originally Posted by Utseyalitharan

“I will never return to the Zimbabwe side and I want to play Test cricket. South Africa is the best option,” he said.

Do you think he will make it into the test first 11...i dont think so, he might fail to get a place in the S.A Academy.

Wotcu all think...

gotta feel for him. a few guys have said similar things:
- price with england
- ervine with england or OZ...lol

in answer to your question...if he's groomed right i see no reason why not

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Utseyalitharan

Do you think he will make it into the test first 11...i dont think so, he might fail to get a place in the S.A Academy.

Why not? He's borderline for a World XI: most Test sides would have him in their touring party without hesitation.

[greg]

If he is allowed to qualify i would have no problem in him playing for South Africa.We need all the good players to be playing at the highest level.I have to say though that i wouldn't want England to poach any Zimbabwe players and they should stay in Africa to play.

[butchering lee]

i didn't finish yesterday...in many ways taibu would be a very good option.

he has shown he can cope in the test arena under enormous pressure (his ave only rose - 29 is not great but he has a century and nine 50s and in the right setting could go a long way).


against him - boucher has been called on to retire and always comes back with vengance - he isn't THAT old so will not retire soon.
without getting too political - i think the politics of cricket might make it a little hard - it's not like he's an absolute "no-brainer" like the zimbo who made the springbok team.

[Wanderer]

At least 2 keepers who will be keeping Taibu out of an SA side...AB de Villiers, Thami Tsolekile. And one or two youngsters coming through the local ranks as well.

But I have a feeling Boucher's gonna be around for still some time to come...

[butchering lee]

AB makes the team as a batsman (i think taibu is the better keeper personally) and from what i remember Thami was no GREAT shakes with the bat. i have no illusions but taibu, all things being equal, would certainly be in the running to replace boucher (in that eventuality). that's my feeling anyway.

[Wanderer]

Yes, I agree that Taibu is a very good keeper. My point is, all things are not equal here... He will have to do a great deal to get into the SA side...and he's going to have to do it consistently for 2 seasons, at the LEAST, to have a look in. (after he has qualified to play for SA, of course)

And of course, the selectors will always look at "local" talent first...or they will have all of SA cricket supporters up in arms...

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

But I have a feeling Boucher's gonna be around for still some time to come...

Yes and he is averaging 30 with the bat, I feel that while Boucher is still there, Taibu is going to find it difficult to break into the South Adrican side.

Stewart kept all comers at bay for for England until he was 40.

[butchering lee]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

And of course, the selectors will always look at "local" talent first...or they will have all of SA cricket supporters up in arms...

i don't doubt it !


Now, if he already had A flowers reputation and statistics they'd take a long hard look i'd say - i know zimbos who have got into the SA rugby side.