Proteas rue discipline

The Proteas crushing 189-run defeat to England was characterised by a Jekyll and Hyde batting performance, writes Craig Stirton.

438. The number that has since 2006 brought a broad smile to the faces of Proteas fans. This time around a grimace seems more appropriate.

As I flopped down on the couch after a long day at the beach, my eyes lit up when I saw the victory target set by Joe Root’s England –remembering vividly the events of 12 March 2006.

Though it was a tall order, the Proteas had a chance to pen a new chapter in the run-chase annuls. At stumps on Day four, Dean Elgar and Pieter Malan ensured their side was in with a sniff heading into the fifth day.

Past players and pundits alike implored the Proteas to play a fearless brand of cricket and go in search of what would be a historic victory. A morning session which yielded just 43 runs, however, put paid to any hopes of a push for victory and more 438 history.

What was pleasing about the Proteas batting performance though was the willingness of Malan (288 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (140 balls) to occupy the crease.

Though I was somewhat disappointed we weren’t in with a shot of victory, I’d have gladly taken a draw and to maintain the series lead. As commendable as the aforementioned innings’ are, so there was cause for alarm. Captain Faf du Plesis has made a name for himself as someone capable of digging deep to grind out a draw for the Proteas.

Admirable as Faf’s powers of concentration have been in the past, he was found wanting at the moment critique. The sweep shot which cost Du Plessis his wicket can only be described as rash under the circumstances.

With the new-ball and lunch looming, he needn’t have played such an expansive stroke.

ALSO READ: IS THE FAF DU PLESSIS SCRUTINY JUSTIFIED?

The greatest tongue-lashing of all from Jacques Kallis, however, should be reserved for Quinton De Kock. With victory well out of reach, De Kock had no business playing the shot he did and losing his wicket to part-timer Joe Denly. Striking at less than 50, De Kock’s innings to that point suggested he’d turned over a new new leaf, able to adapt his game to the match-situation.

The disappointment on his face was plain to see and he will no doubt rue both the selection and execution of the shot. I cannot help but feel that if Quinny had stayed there we would have held on for the draw.

Once our hopes of victory were dashed, the players should have got stuck in to ensure they drew the match. The untimely and avoidable fashions batsmen lost their wickets suggests that discipline ought to be of top priority heading into the third Test at St George’s Park.

Losing to England is never fun. Even more so in the fashion we did through rushes of blood to the head.