Proteas ODI 'report card'

2008-09-03 22:32

Altus Momberg

Cardiff - The Proteas' pathetic performance in the ODI series here really makes one wonder whether Graeme Smith's side is mentally strong enough to tackle the Australians later this year.

The Proteas made history when they won a Test series in England for the first time in 43 years.

But the performances and excuses produced by the ODI side dulled some of the shine of the triumph in the Tests.

The way the Proteas' level of play deteriorated is unacceptable for a good side.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur has a point when he says the squad is in a rebuilding phase. But that does not excuse the shocking performances in this series.

Here's a "report card" showing how the Proteas fared in the ODI series:

Graeme Smith: 4/10

The Proteas skipper was plagued by tennis elbow and played only in the first two matches. His impact was limited.

Herschelle Gibbs: 5/10

The opening batsman seemed to be on form, but threw away his wicket several times after a good start.

Hashim Amla: 5/10

Amla got his chance as a result of Smith's elbow injury, but showed that he is capable of playing one-day cricket, and his partnership with Gibbs was one of the few highlights for the visitors.

Jacques Kallis: 3/10

The acting captain's performance at Lord's - 1 from 8 balls and 20 runs conceded in his only over - sums up his performances in the ODI series. His batting plunged to unprecedented depths.

AB de Villiers: 3/10

He had a shocking series with the bat, scoring the fewest runs. Even his fielding wasn't always up to scratch.

JP Duminy: 3/10

In every match Duminy came in to bat when the team was already in trouble. However, if he wants to be sure of a place in the starting line-up, he has to perform well in spite of difficult circumstances.

Mark Boucher: 4/10

Like the rest of the batsmen he also struggled to make an impression against England's dangerous seam attack.

Vernon Philander: 4/10

Bowled reasonably well at Headingley, but his botched catch in that first game is all that will be remembered. Much room for improvement in his batting.

Albie Morkel: 3/10

Battled with a shoulder injury and not really able to make an impression. Some huge sixes at the Oval provided some of the few highlights.

Johan Botha: 6/10

His bowling was one of the few positive features of the Proteas' game. His bowling was the best by far.

Morné Morkel: 4/10

Like his brother, he was plagued by injury and played only in the last three matches. His flawed accuracy remains problematic.

Dale Steyn: 3/10

He conceded nearly 7 runs per over and pitched the ball far too short at times. His lack of experience in ODIs was exposed.

Makhaya Ntini: 4/10

He bowled better than his analyses suggest, but it's a pity that he can still loses his head after more than 160 ODIs for South Africa.

André Nel: 3/10

Nel did not bowl at all well and was also altogether too predictable. He didn't bowl with the same intensity and aggression as in the Edgbaston Test.

- Die Burger