Apparently, we got it all wrong. Earlier it was announced that Robert Petersen got chosen over Morne Morkel for the Champions Trophy. It was all a lie! A source informed us that there are some enraged Proteas players out there. They want to get rid of the head of cricket selectors, Mike Procter. -Off with his head!
Procter is to be blamed for removing Morne after the selection panel had earlier agreed on his inclusion.Morkel has been replaced by Makhaya Ntini for the series, not Petersen as previously announced. Ntini appeared to be on his way out of the ODI side in 2008 and it was thought he would have to make way for someone else in the build-up to the 2011 World Cup. Procter admitted that the group had been altered, but said there was “nothing sinister” about the decision. -Ja, right!
“What happens on the selection panel is confidential and should not be made public,..since I took over (as selection convener) in December, Morné has not been consistent, even though the same can be said of Makhaya.”
The saddest part is that the decision will cost Morkel at least R350 000 after he turned down two good offers to play county cricket at the insistence of Cricket South Africa.
Procter said that Morkel “would still be part of the Proteas’ long-term plans”. -Why don't I believe you?
Smithy is back! He is back in top shape and has started practising again this week after undergoing surgery to his elbow in June.
"Just look how skinny I am!"
"I started hitting tennis balls the first time today. It was quite an exciting day"
Oh, no! Is that a double chin?
Tsotsobe is back in the squad! There's also some dreadful news fora large group of fangirls. There is only one other change in the 15-player squad which completed the home MTN ODI series against Australia with Robin Peterson being picked over Morne Morkel.
"Langeveldt is not fit enough yet to be considered after his shoulder surgery and Morne Morkel is the unlucky one to miss out," Procter said. Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt) Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-capt) Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins) Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors) AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans) JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras) Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras) Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors) Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans) Makhaya Ntini (Chevrolet Warriors) Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors) Robin Peterson (Nashua Cape Cobras) Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans) Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors) Roelof van der Merwe (Nashua Titans)
Purna's top 10 reasons why Botha should be captain
1) Botha's already making fewer mistakes than Smithy did when he first started. 2) He is not egg-headed and is willing to learn. 3) CLEARLY takes his fitness seriously 4)He's not a tense tight ass on the field, which could spread a negative vibe in crunch situations. 5) He, along with ROFL gives SA hope that they have a chance in WC 2011. 6) He doesn't say 'Look' as often as Smithy...it's just so fucking annoying! 7) He can bat and bowl AND be a useful captain. 8) There are 18 Anti-Graeme clubs on FB as opposed to Botha's 5. 9) Graeme needed to break his hand to be a hero...Botha does it with his bowling :P 10) Botha has a smaller chin. It helps with the catching when the ball is close to the ground. I swear..ask Rhodes!
I found some videos I thought I'd share. The first one I dedicate to Missy & Morne-lover. The second is just some crazy Saffers and the last one is from last years CSA Golf day. (There is an interview with Bif, just for Purna. Did he say "ah, look" ?)
As promised, I have delivered. Above is the dreaded Morne Morkel PUMA ad. Which is better? PUMA or Reebok?
You all should know by now that Reebok is the official kit supplier for South Africa. But PUMA has stolen a lot of Protea players by offering them a contract where the cricketers will wear PUMA footwear and full protection gear on field, as well as wear PUMA sportlifestyle ranges off the pitch.
In the IPL both PUMA and Reebok were suppliers of kits to different teams. Take a look at the uniforms which were produced. Above is PUMA's Rajasthan Royals outfit and below is Reebok's Royal Challengers Bangalore uniform. Not bad at all.
My question is what the hell happened to the Proteas' uniform. (Or should I say PJ's?)Finally the answer has arrived. The players themselves are to blame....
“One cannot emphasise enough how important it is for the players to be comfortable in the testing conditions they often encounter on the Asian sub-continent and elsewhere."
Reebok went all out. They went as far as to have a tailor present to tailor each garment for individuals to ensure they were totally comfortable.The players felt that the most important factor was a lightweight, cool pant and shirt, especially when travelling to the sub continent and being exposed to some of the hottest playing conditions. Reebok worked closely with the team on this using strategic mesh panels as well as Reebok’s patented moisture management technology, Play Dry, to ensure the heat factor is taken care of.
All shirts and jerseys are made of updated stretch fabrics allowing for a lightweight, comfortable product that allows for excessive movement by the player while still keeping its slim fit, look and feel. Reebok worked closely with Reebok India who designed four of the eight IPL kits as these were primarily designed for the original conditions of India before the IPL moved to SA.
Today South Africa will take on India. South Africa has already qualified for the next round so no stress about having to win.
Good news is that Jacques Kallis will not be playing, instead Morne Morkel is in. So the batsmen will move one place up. Great isn't it. This means that guys like Roelof van der Merwe & JP Duminy will get a chance to bat. I sure hope they wont forget the "golden Albie rule". Even though they are in already, South Africa should still play to win. All my money is on Wayne Parnell.
I will enjoy watching the guys playing against their new found friends from the IPL. Dhoni vs Morkel. AB vs Dilshan. JP vs Malinga.
What did you tell Morne when you were told you were replacing him for your debut Test?
I didn't really say anything much. Obviously it was a big disappointment for him, but on the other hand it was happiness for me. He was supportive of me on my debut and I was supportive of him since he was dropped. We never really had any sort of competition growing up, as we are different sort of players: he is more of a strike bowler, while I'm an allrounder.
Smithy can be such an ass! Shame man. Poor Morne. How embarrassing was that? He seems like such a bully! And then there is this photo where Graeme is trying to force himself upon JP Duminy.
