Proteas’ fans should unite and channel all focus on the daunting task of winning the remaining fixtures.
After the South African Cricket national team lost three fixtures to open Cricket World Cup competition, the media and fans searched for the answer to why. It didn’t take long for AB de Villiers to surface as the primary reason for the team’s poor start.
Cricket – South Africa vs. Australia – Second Test – St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa – March 11, 2018. South Africa’s AB de Villiers celebrates his century. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings
It was just about a year ago when AB de Villiers–South Africa’s and arguably the world’s best batsman–announced his retirement from international cricket. It was a hard decision to accept, but the Proteas made peace with it over time.
That was before shocking news surfaced. AB de Villiers’ request to be included on this World Cup squad was denied, and it was denied just a day before squad membership was announced.
Of course, it was distressing news, which stood in contrast to Australia’s decision to include David Warner and Steve Smith on its World Cup squad–a year after they were disqualified in a cheating scandal.
That said, the controversy of whether AB de Villiers should have been included on the squad is based on subjective arguments. What’s done is done and, now, Proteas’ fans should unite and channel all focus on the daunting task of winning the remaining fixtures.
Personally, I believe that no one individual is more significant than a team. If my best player fails to comply with prerequisites, then I have no choice but to turn elsewhere–regardless of the repertoire of skills that player possesses.
Yes, without a doubt (in my mind), AB is one of the best batsmen in the country. But the Proteas had a choice.
Do they include a man with fluctuating moods of ‘when to or not to’ represent his country? No. Instead, South Africa needed to advance with the aid of those with unwavering commitment.
Victory or no victory, I believe South Africa’s board made the right decision to leave AB behind. If professionalism is to be adhered to, then bagging can’t be part of the discussion! Consider Neil Ottis Gibson words in that regard: “I suspect that there are a lot more people who want AB to be here than AB himself. If he wanted to be here, he would be here.”
It’s not as though AB didn’t know the prerequisites associated with being included on the squad. He just left things to the last minute. By then, it was too late.
Great article.