What Award Would You Give to the Proteas?

The South African cricket team have now had a day to reflect on their Twenty20 World Cup semifinal loss to Pakistan. I fear they haven't looked hard enough at themselves, and admitted their short comings.

We lost again in a semifinal, and it was interesting to hear psychologist Jeremy Snape's view. The fact he mentioned something different could have been done when batting during the middle overs is the key point. We had to try something different. The run rate was climbing, and the pressure was growing more and more intense. If it was a one off, one could understand it. However we have seen it time and time again.

The last one dayer v. Australia at the Wanderers was a prime example. On that occasion we let the run rate climb and climb until it became unassailable. This was no different.

Many people have criticised the South African team for being too structured, and not being flexible enough. I'd agree, but I'd also add we are too conservative. We try not to lose, and don't back our ability to really go for the win on important occasions or against strong opposition.

Consequently we choke. When we play lower quality teams or less pressured games, we paper over the cracks because we behave in a different manner.

Mickey Arthur has stated he believes South Africa is the best team in the world at the moment. What he is basing that on I'm not sure. We are first in the One day rankings, with a four point gap over Australia. However in the Test rankings we are second, nine points behind Australia and we lost our last Test series at home. We are not Twenty20 World champions so in my opinion we are not worthy of being called the best side in the world.

I'd rather we didn't talk about how good we are in the media, instead focusing on ourselves and winning more series, and a few world titles! I believe this may be another mental weakness in the Proteas, letting success go to the head too quickly, instead of stringing together consistent performances over a long period.

Graeme Smith is about to embark on surgery on his troublesome elbow, and the rest of the players have a break. I just hope we can freshen ourselves up, get tougher and put together some more impressive performances, but take it to the next level...