Arguably, the greatest cricketer over the last 30 year is none other than the great South African allrounder, Jacques Kallis. His performances on the field is nothing but legendary. He and Gary Sobers are the only cricketers to average more than 50 with the bat and less than 35 with the ball. The hallmark of a true great allrounder. I have never seen Sobers field but Kallis’s fielding was also outstanding. If an edge goes behind, the batsman can safely walk off in the knowledge that a towering figure would have gobbled the ball up and down this throat. It is natural to assume that the service of such a personality will immediately be utilised by the board and he will be given all kinds of responsibility to develop the incumbent players. Did South African board wanted the services of Kallis? Was he made to feel welcome?
Shocking South African oversight
It is now emerged that the South African cricket board did not want the services of Jacques Kallis. This is shocking. A premier batsman, who had performed exceptionally wasn’t allowed to be part of the system that nurtured and brought him up. To make matter worse, he wasn’t required by the board because of the colour of his skin. This is even more outrageous. Kallis said,
“I wasn’t allowed to be involved in the South African side because CSA said there would be no more white consultants. So, unfortunately [the position with South Africa] fell away and this opportunity of helping England out came about. I took it with both hands,” Kallis had said in an online press conference.
At a time when there are reports of racism in Australia, Kallis to be denied as role by his own board because of the colour of his skin is certainly racist at its ugliest best. Luckily, better sense prevailed with England and he has been romped in as batting consultant. England with its well stocked support staffs will be thrilled with the addition of Kallis as batting consultant.
Johnny Bairstow has welcomed the move
Johnny Bairstow is absolutely thrilled that Kallis is now with the England set-up.
“The things he has done within the game, in my eyes he is the best all-rounder that there has ever been.Someone that batted at the top of the order, caught absolute flies at slip and got so many wickets as well.”
Now the English cricketers seems to have realised the value of someone like Kallis and have welcomed him with open arms. Something the South African board must have done. England with a lot of young players will hope to tap into the brain of Kallis and will want to emulate his feats. Kallis is certainly sad that he is not helping the South African cricketers.
“It’s sad in a way that I can’t help out in South Africa,” Kallis said from Galle, “but I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here and my time in the England set-up.
South Africa does not seem to realise the importance of its former players until they have served in some other country. Gary Kirsten proved to be a very good coach for India and until then, he wasn’t even considered for any role by the South African board. Similar fate may await the likes of Steyn.
South African coach wants Kallis back
Now there are reports that Mark Boucher wants Kallis back in South Africa and help the local players. It is a case of spilled wine. Kallis’s tenure with England is for a short duration. If Boucher really wants him back, he will have to convince the board of the qualities Kallis brings in as a batting consultant or in the development of young players. How the likes of Aiden Markram, Van de Dussen will improve with guidance from Kallis.
The nonsense of cap ceremony
Nowadays, it has rather become a custom. This is not confined to any particular team. This is a disease that has intruded every nation from Steve Waugh. Every time when someone makes his debut in either Tests or the limited overs, the custom of someone handing him his cap is beamed live across the living rooms across the cricket playing world. The person who receives and the person who hands over are all smiles for the camera. Back in the 80s and 90s, this was never considered an event worthy of mention. I don’t even remember such a formality being carried out.
It does not really mean that the player gets to wear the cap only after he is handed over one before making his debut. There are so many pictures and videos where players who have not played for the team wearing the team’s cap. Why then it is necessary to give the player a brand new cap just before he makes his debut?
It was Steve Waugh who started this nonsense with the Australians. Other teams could have left it at that but no they chose to follow this stupidity. Infact, Shane Warne, a contemporary of Steve Waugh was rather scathing in his criticism of Steve Waugh.
“We had this ridiculous thing Steve Waugh brought in,” Warne began. “It was just silly. He said that everyone in the first hour had to wear the green baggy cap.
Cap conclusion
It is time the artificialness of the cap ceremony is done away with. If at all this must be carried, do it within the confines of the dressing room. Do not bring it out into the open. It will save millions of fans from witnessing this farce. The sport must celebrate achievements but earning a cap definitely does not belong in this category. At the broadcasting company must save the fans of watching this buffoonery.
Other topics related to South African cricket can be read here, here and here.