After the Wanderers, things have gone from bad to very bad to unbelieveably bad!!!

There was a lot of talk before Kingsmead, but it has proved to be hot air. It frustrates me to see South Africa losing, because we have the talent to dominate at this level. Where we fall down is in the mindset. We have been labelled chokers since readmission, and now I believe this is a fair tag. Whenever we’ve had pressure on us, we’ve failed to deliver. The 1996 World cup – unbeaten in the pool stages, and knocked out in the quarter finals to the unfancied West Indies. ’99 World cup, dominant and quaified for the semis, we gifted Australia the cup. 2003 world cup, a shambles in front of our home crowd. 2007 world cup, we disappointed when we had the number 1 ranking. Numerous tours to Australia, always coming up short. Why is this?

I believe it’s because of our mindset. We have an attitude of not losing, whereas Australia have an attitude of aiming to win. It’s why they score at 3.5-4 runs an over and we score at 2.5. We try to occupy and not get out, they aim to take the game away from the opposition and attack.

It’s also why they can bring youngsters or rookies who can succeed immediately. eg Marcus North, Phillip Hughes, Hilfenhaus, Siddle etc. They aren’t afraid. We look for excuses.

I have never been a fan of Mickey Arthur. For him to say that Morne Morkel is a year away from the level of Steyn leaves me in bewilderment. He is a weak link. He can’t bowl a decent line and length. It’s why he never takes more than 2-3 wickets an innings. It doesn’t matter if he is playing schoolboy or test level, the principles stay the same. Make the batter play, bowl one side of the wicket, and get him out! You can’t bowl all over the shop and expect wickets and maidens. For all his “talent” he has delivered nothing. His batting is even worse. I’d demote him to number 11, and that is being kind!

Jacques Kallis, McKenzie, AB DeVilliers, Amla, Boucher haven’t performed. When the heat is turned up, none of them have come to the party bar AB’s innings in Perth. The only one to have taken responsibility and performed under pressure is JP Duminy. It is no coincidence he’s done it all series and the rest of his team haven’t. It’s no coincidence all these guys have great records, but against the Aussies they all have poor records. They can’t handle the heat.

It’s also extremely concerning to see that our batsmen are getting hit and injured. Smith (twice), DeVilliers, Kallis. Their bowlers aren’t that great, ours should be more lethal. In our conditions too we should be better prepared. It doesn’t say much about out courage and skill. And it makes us appear to be very soft!

Where to from here? I think we’ll get done in the one dayers too. At the end of the series, we need a better plan going forward. Sack Arthur. I thought Jennings was good. Get someone decent, who can run the show and give some discipline to these prima donnas. Drop Morne Morkel, McKenzie, and Boucher. Bring in some new blood, and reward performances. But above all show some heart like we use to have eg Gary Kirsten, Jonty Rhodes, Fanie DeVilliers etc. And then believe in our ability and go out and try to win games, even if we have to lose a few by trying to dominate. And above all…make sure the cricket is played when I can turn it off and watch the rugby instead!