The official ICC Test rankings. It is such a convoluted process, specifically the way teams move up and down the ladder, that leading cricket website Cricinfo once published a story “Understanding the ICC rankings system”, which was basically a layman’s guide to how the rankings work, how the points are awarded, and how a team can earn bonus points.
The height of uncertainty certainly arose when Australia claimed the ICC mace, which is awarded to the No 1 Test team in the world, for a brief period despite having not been in action for a couple of months back in 2014.
Regardless of the confusion that surrounds the ranking system, though, the Proteas have been the proud carrier of the ICC Test crown for the majority of the past four years since first laying claim to the golden mace back in 2012 at Lord’s, when Graeme Smith’s side achieved a second consecutive series win over England in the land of her Majesty.
There certainly is a degree of irony in the fact that the Proteas have now been humbled by the very same opposition at South Africa’s “home of cricket” – the Wanderers – forcing AB de Villiers’ men to surrender their position at the top of the ICC Test rankings perch.
Undoubtedly this series defeat will hurt the Proteas, but the pain will be even greater for a group of senior players. Growing into the world’s No 1 Test side was a long and arduous journey that was first developed in the minds high up in the Swiss Alps ahead of that 2012 England tour.
Once achieved, it was an honour the Proteas held in the greatest esteem. They protected it fiercely – most notably in the most gruelling conditions on foreign lands.
They strode like colossal figures in the Test arena; they dominated their space; and they dealt with pressure like no South African team has done before.
Former captain Smith often spoke of creating a dynasty that could rival the legendary Australian and West Indian teams of previous eras. He wanted to create a culture of success within the dressing-room that would live on with the next generation of Proteas.
It was a highly admirable ambition, but the reality now is that this is the end of an era for the Proteas – and it will get even worse before it gets better.
Rumours that senior players are moving towards the exit door can no longer be dismissed. Despite being handed the Test leadership reins, De Villiers is perilously close to relieving himself of the pressures of playing international cricket.
Arguably the most marketable cricketer outside of the Indian superstars, De Villiers could easily be most sought-after commodity on the global T20 circuit should he pursue that route in the near future.
CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat should likewise prepare himself for a meeting with Dale Steyn. Those crazy eyes may not have lost their glint entirely for international cricket just yet but, at 32 years old, it certainly is dimming.
The argument has always been that South Africa will produce “another AB” or “another Dale” like it did previously when Graeme Pollock and Allan Donald walked away from the game.
However, this current “Golden Generation” that consisted of De Villiers, Steyn and Hashim Amla were honed in a six-franchise system that thrived in a strength-vs-strength system where hard work, dedication and cerebral coaching were ingrained in the structures.
Unfortunately, South Africa’s domestic structures are simply not of that high standard any longer, and that includes coaching. With it currently also being engulfed in the “Bodi-gate” match-fixing scandal, too, many of Cricket SA’s energies will be not be ploughed into improving the quality of the product in the immediate future, but instead attempting to improve the image of a sport that has taken a severe knock.
The complexities surrounding the transformation of the domestic game remains of great importance and how CSA continues to manage the process will also be integral to the future success of the national team.
With troubles on the pitch and scandals off, it these are certainly interesting times for South African cricket.
The only consolation factor for the Proteas is that their recent conquerors, England, were in an even worse state just seven months ago when they were held to a Test series draw by the beleaguered West Indies.
Their rejuvenation, though, has come about through clear thinking with the England Cricket Board making astute appointments – Andrew Strauss’ elevation to director of cricket and Trevor Bayliss as coach – and the embracement of a new positive approach that is in sync with the modern game.
Time will tell whether CSA are able to show similar strong leadership skills. - Cape Times