To Gibbs or not to Gibbs

Ryan Vrede from Keo.co.za writes an interesting article questioning the reasons for Herschelle Gibbs recall for the 3rd Test against the Windies…

“After a pair of ducks in the Port Elizabeth Test the selectors had had enough of the glorious disappointment that is Gibbs. His undeniable talent is matched only by his frustrating, sometimes infuriating, inconsistency, particularly at Test level. The selectors, including coach Mickey Arthur, simply couldn’t justify retaining him in the squad (even if Cricket South Africa chairman Norman Arendse felt they should).

Neil McKenzie’s four year wait between Tests ended at Newlands. But that dream return died as rapidly as it started. A torn calf muscle means the 32-year-old has to once again prove himself on the domestic scene when he returns after a predicted six week lay-off.

The void at the top of the order needed to be filled once more…”

Ryan also makes mention of other unlucky players being overlooked including Andrew Puttick from the Cape Cobras.

The full article can be found here

Polly’s Coming Back

The most encouraging news, from the perspective of local supporters, is that Shaun Pollock looks set to play his first Test in nearly a year. The 33-year-old veteran, who has waited patiently in the wings since his last Test against Pakistan on January 19-23 last year, is being widely tipped for a recall on his home ground, with either Andre Nel or Paul Harris being given a rest.

“I’ve certainly played a waiting game,” the flame-haired seamer joked yesterday. “But, if I do get chosen, it would obviously be great to play on my home ground.”

Welcome back ou-grote.

Proteas Trivia Game

The guys only lost 1 game and already the jokes start pouring in…..nonetheless, still very funny: 

Q. What do Mark Boucher and Michael Jackson have in common?
A. They both wear gloves for no apparent reason.

Q. What’s the difference between Graeme Smith and George Bush?
A. George Bush has more victories.

Q. What is South Africa’s best chance of a win at Kingsmead?
A. Telling the other team the match is at the Wanderers.

Q. How bad is the South African batting?
A. Well, the selectors are thinking of moving Extras up the batting order.

Q. What is the height of optimism?
A. A South African batsman putting on sunscreen.

Q. What is the main function of the South African coach?
A. To transport the team from the hotel to the ground.

Q. What’s the South African version of a hat-trick?
A. Three runs in three balls.

Q. Why don’t South African fielders need pre-tour travel injections?
A. Because they never catch anything. 

Q. What do you call a South African with 50 runs against his name?
A. A bowler.

Q. What’s the most proficient form of footwork displayed by Graeme Smith?
A. His walk back to the pavilion.

Q. Who has the easiest job in the South African touring party?
A. The guy who removes the ball marks from the bats.

Q. What does Graeme Smith and a drug addict have in common??
A. Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will come from.

Q. Who spent the most time on the crease of anyone in the South African touring party?
A. The lady who ironed the cricket uniforms.

Q. Why is Graeme Smith cleverer than Houdini?
A. Because he can get out without even trying.

And finally…
 

Q. Why did Minky dump Graeme Smith?
A. Because he went in and out too quickly!