Proteas Defeat a Step in the Right Direction

Every team wishes for a perfect start to any competition, victory as motivation to continue building momentum through the tournament. With all the "big guns" gaining two points after their first match, South Africa stands out with a defeat to India on Sunday.

But looking through history, South Africa have failed to carry good form right through the tournament, and have been unsuccessful on numerous occasions. They have never competed in a major ICC final, with the exception of the inaugural Champions Trophy back in '98.

Last year during the T20 World Championship they looked as favourites to win the cup, but a fumble in the semifinals against Pakistan saw them fall yet again.

Such a great team, with talented young and experienced International cricketers. Yet they just hav't won anything, with a nation that's so hungry for success and so willing to see their team lift the trophy, this year they have an opportunity to prove to the World that South Africa are no "Chokers."

When i suggest that the loss to India was a step in the right direction, I view the result as enough motivation for South Africa to beat Afghanistan and build as they go along. While previously we have seen them win everything from the start but stumble when it really counts.

What SA has shown is that they are "capable" and that will count a lot, proving that they have the big hitters in the side, they just didn't time the run chase well enough. Kallis showed his quality once again after a brilliant IPL, he just didn't have the right opening partner.

Bosman will struggle in the Caribbean, especially if teams are going to use spinners as there main option, Kallis and Smith should open with Gibbs coming in at number three. Gibbs experience and ability will provide a more stable top order, although we do recognise the talent that Bosman has, it's just the condition might affect his play.

If SA play on a different surface with more bounce and a quicker outfield, maybe then he (Bosman) can play.

In the bowling department, Steyn should be partnered by Theron in place of Morkel, who seems to lose focus at times. Theron should be included in the next match for either Morkel or Kleinveltd.

The Proteas need to improve their fielding, and take advantage of opportunities as those are the ones that count at the end.

Ultimately consistency is important, and as Greame Smith always stresses on the point of "high intensity" during matches no matter who the opposition.