Building on the lessons of defeat (21 June 1999)

21 June 1999

Building on the lessons of defeat

Trevor Chesterfield

LONDON (England) - Whether it is Shaun Pollock or even Dale Benkenstein who leads South Africa in World Cup 2003 they will have learnt much from the drama and trauma of the Edgbaston tie which put them out of yesterday's final.

It was the departing coach, Bob Woolmer, in 1996 who said that while South Africa might be serious challengers in World Cup '99 they would be ready to take the crown at home in 2003. After what has happened on the trek around England these last seven weeks it has been a class room.

And one of the lessons was displayed vividly on video replay in the new Lord's press box yesterday as the final moments of South Africa's innings was replayed. By the time the toss was made most of the side had arrived in Johannesburg: Benkenstein and all-rounder Lance Klusener were two who remained to see the final, the remnants of a side which South Africa should feel pride and sympathy.

Pride for how they performed with credit throughout the tournament and sympathy for their untimely exit as they were more deserving of praise than criticism. And from the agony of what, technically, amounted to a defeat the players will emerge mentally stronger and more aware of what is needed when South Africa hold the tournament four years down the line.

South Africa based much of their strategy on the depth and strength of the all-rounders most who have been to England before. Although Herschelle Gibbs had toured England with the South African A side in 1996 he had to undergo a further testing apprenticeship in Sri Lanka a year ago which did much to revive a career which had lost some of its purpose.

Although his inclusions was based on the 'transformation' programme the young man did not need such added political pressure to advance his cause. His ability had long been doubted but in the end his class earned him enough to warrant a permanent place as an opener, which is not too surprising.

Yet, as with most South Africans Gibbs and his partner, Gary Kirsten, having grown with confidence failed to understand the tighter technique needed when facing the art of a bowler such as Shane Warne; you cannot afford to drive at a leg-spinner turning into the rough. It is a foolhardy exercise at the best of times and the experiences of Edgbaston will hang heavily on the minds of the South Africans over the next four years.

Hansie Cronje, in a rare moment of humour at the final press conference at Edgbaston, when asked about his future, reminded all there would be a new selection committee.

'It is up to them who they want,' he said.

Which was not a hint of a pending retirement, or anything approaching retirement: just a shrewd observation. Although he is the man in charge of the side whoever replaces Peter Pollock as convener of selectors needs to work closely with Cronje for at least a season or two for the good of the side and continuity toward developing a side for the next World Cup. As changes on the selectors' front loom there is a need for a fresh approach.

Kepler Wessels, his future still uncertain as a player because of his knee injury, is one candidate as convener if he makes himself available. There is the need, too, to replace Clive Rice, although he has expressed the view he would like to remain on the panel.

For the sake of continuity, however, someone permanently based in South Africa is preferable to one who has a coaching appointment in another country. Dave Richardson is another who could be put forward, even Vincent Barnes has credentials as has Woolmer for that matter.

The selection panel, an important side issue is, however, of far less important than the development and regeneration of the side who have played more tests and limited-overs games since emerging from isolation than the other eight test countries. Replacements are going to be needed for several of the current side.

Players to retire before the 2003 World Cup are Allan Donald, Kirsten, Steve Elworthy, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes and even Cronje while the remarkable Klusener, 31 by then, could make the South Africa tournament his last.

Certainly the pool of players of colour should have swelled by then to compete on even terms for places in the side, but four years is a long way off and those who have emerged by then will be representative of a team which has learnt the hard lessons and give their advice how to overcome such moments as that which erupted at Edgbaston.

Source :: Trevor Chesterfield, Pretoria News