“My major focus is on getting cricket played,” said South Africa’s Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, while reflecting on the state of cricket in South Africa.
“If member nations don’t support each other and play cricket, cricket is going to find itself in a challenging place,” warned a relieved Smith, who was pleased that the Proteas were able to play a white-ball series against England, complete a Test series against Sri Lanka, and are currently preparing for a competitive away-from-home Test and T20 series against Pakistan, along with a Test series against Australia to cap off the home summer.
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With three World Cups on the horizon, Smith acknowledged there is a “heavy white-ball focus” and considers the logistical challenges of moving players from one bio-secure bubble to another an opportunity for the Proteas “to grow squads, see players across the board.”
With quarantine requirements, it is “impossible to play the best team day in and day out,” said Smith. The Proteas have named two significantly different squads for the Test and T20 series against Pakistan.
Smith attributed it to the quarantine periods the South African team will have to undergo before the series against Australia, the bio-secure protocols of which were mutually agreed upon by the South African and Australian medical teams.
While these are not ideal circumstances for South Africa’s T20 plans, Smith views this as an opportunity for young players to showcase their abilities.
“By April, we will have a really good idea of a core group of players and hope the results come our way as well,” explained Smith. “At some point, we need to pin things down and really focus on the composition of the best squads that go to these world cups.”
Smith referred to the current Proteas team as “a young squad with potential.” However, he remains cognizant that “there’s a lot of work, development, and growth that needs to happen.” Realistic in his assessment of the squad, Smith acknowledged, “We want our team to win, but that’s not the defining thing for me this season.”
Smith’s primary goal this season has been to ensure cricket played this summer, but he knows “it’s not simple or easy (for players). I do feel for players who move from bubble to bubble.”
To alleviate the challenges of living in a bubble, Cricket South Africa has looked at accommodating teams in hotels that allow for outdoor activities and offer avenues for entertainment for players.
Additionally, Cricket South Africa is working with “SACA on the mental side” to “stay ahead of any mental issues” that players might experience. Smith said there has been an active effort to communicate with players as they move from one bubble to the next.
Smith is also focusing his attention on developing the women’s game. With a busy Future Tours Programme, Smith hopes to create an environment for growth in the woman’s growth, particularly in world events. “We want to find a space where both teams are pushing for trophies,” stated Smith.
Smith concluded by highlighting the importance of conveying a message on gender-based violence through Proteas teams and “improve how men treat women in this country.” “It’s important we keep driving this,” signed off Smith.
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