As reports of Hashim Amla considering a Kolpak deal crop up, a cloud hangs over South African cricket fans that South African might be losing out on budding prodigies as well as senior players in future. Earlier in the year Kyle Abbott and Rillee Roussow inked Kolpak deals with Hampshire thereby making themselves unavailable to play for South Africa.
In September 2016, Cricket South Africa introduced racial quotas making a 54% of reservation for Black Africans in a cricket team, a decision that was taken after being pressurized by the government in a bid to encourage a black representation in the sport. Cricket South Africa president Chris Nenzani described the targets as they are called as very “attainable”.
Abbott made his debut against Pakistan at Supersports PPark Centurion in February 2013 and has played only 11 tests, 28 ODIS, and 21 T20Is since then. He was reportedly left out of all important World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland for out-of-form Vernon Philander to complete the racial quota, a game that South Africa lost, costing them their first ever World cup final berth. Philander returned with an unimpressive 0/52 from 8 overs.
South African pace attack had suffered a big blow with Dale Steyn not being anywhere close to his best and Morne Morkel losing his place in the side due to lackluster performances. However, South Africa did not suffer even a bit because of the potency of their bench strength. Abbott had a key role in resurrecting the pace attack because of his ability to bowl long spells, hit the deck and miser economy.
Rillee Rossouw was seen next to De Villiers in terms of talent. The 27
year old had been a permanent in ODI and T20 squads for some time before he had a sudden change of mind and cut his ties with the Rainbow Nation.
South African cricket is in turmoil after the 3-1 drubbing in the test series in England. According to sources, two of South Africa”s champion cricketers AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn may not be seen in whites again. De Villiers is considering test retirement to focus on 2019 World Cup whereas Steyn who is in his mid-30s is struggling to regain full fitness after the shoulder injury he sustained last year. Speaking of which, it is absolutely essential for South Africa to lose no more players.
His recent form might not be awful, but below par for someone of his standards. In the last 7 tests, he averages 37 and hasn”t scored a century. With 34 already, South Africa know he doesn”t have more than a couple of years of cricket left in him.
– by Atharva Apte
