The Proteas always have an annual Christmas dinner in Durban ahead of the Boxing Day Test, which will be played against Sri Lanka this year.
Who knows, Santa Claus himself might come sliding down the chimney. Let’s imagine what Graeme Smith and Co will be hoping Santa has in his bag for them for Christmas and beyond.
1 A MAJOR ICC TROPHY
The Proteas and ICC trophies go together like a McDonald’s burger at Christmas lunch. It just doesn’t work. And the 2011 disappointment at the World Cup on the sub-continent meant another year of sorrow, after 19 years of angst.
But 2012 provides South African cricket with yet another redemption opportunity – the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. It may not be a World Cup or even a Champions Trophy, but it does have an ICC label attached to it, and all the major cricket nations will be there. So, the long-suffering Proteas will gladly take it, not to mention the players who would be mightily relieved to finally rid themselves of the dreaded “C” tag.
2 AN END TO THE CSA BONUS SAGA
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula famously said “I want this done by Christmas” in reference to the inquiry into the financial affairs of Cricket SA. But the way things are going at the moment, Rudolph – and that’s Jacques, not the red-nose reindeer – would have a better chance of flying over the minister’s house on Saturday evening to deliver Mbalula’s wish. The entire saga has been an almighty mess, with cricket’s image being the ultimate loser. The players and everyone involved in the game need it to be sorted out.
3 GRAEME SMITH TO SCORE ODI RUNS
Give him a red ball, five days and white clothes, and Smith has no problems. He remains the ultimate Test warrior. It may not always be pleasant on the eye, but Smith knows how to score runs in the longest format of the game. Bring on a white ball, powerplays, over restrictions and coloured clothing, and suddenly Smith looks like the new mail clerk at his first office Christmas party – out of place!
But it was not always like this. Smith was at one stage very comfortable in one-day and Twenty20 cricket. In fact, he bossed it for a long time. That’s where he earned his nickname “Biff”. It was not just for his frame, but for the way he manhandled opposition attacks. New coach Gary Kirsten will hope that if the magic potion Smith needs to return to form is not in the stocking, it’s definitely in the egg-nog.
4 MORE PLEASE, VERNON PHILANDER
Some would say the Proteas bowling sensation has already received all his presents and even opened it, considering his phenomenal success in his first three Tests for South Africa.
It’s not every day that a bowler claims 24 Test wickets in such a short period of time. In fact, it only happens close on once every 100 years.
But while everybody, including Philander, knows that Test cricket will not always be this easy for the Ravensmead hero, South African cricket fans will be hoping that Santa has kept some gifts for the “Pro” in reserve.
5 MARK BOUCHER’S SUCCESSOR
Why is there still talk of replacing the record-breaking wicket-keeper, especially after his gritty half-century at Centurion last week? Simply because Boucher cannot carry on forever. While he is still around, he must be able to pass on his immense experience and expertise to his successor. Who is that actually going to be? An England tour is on the horizon, and it’s expected that two wicket-keepers could be taken along, despite AB de Villiers’s presence in the squad. After Centurion, Boucher will most likely still be the custodian of the Proteas gloves in the UK. But that tour would be the perfect opportunity for the veteran to assume a mentoring role.
6 PLENTY OF IMRAN TAHIR CELEBRATIONS
For a long time, the No 1 item on the Proteas’ Christmas wish-list was an attacking leg-spinner. Santa duly obliged last year, even travelling as far as Pakistan to deliver the much-sought-after gift. But what the Proteas didn’t know they needed to ask for along with it was a dose of patience and understanding, for a leg-spinner is a complex beast, and even more so when his first language is Urdu. But Tahir has shown already in his limited opportunities that when the Proteas move away from these green mambas, there will be much to be excited about. Throw in the most animated celebration in cricket – as if he has had too much trifle! – and no wonder we all want to see him take more wickets. – Cape Times