Pratters
Cricket, Lovely Cricket
South Africa were spot on in selecting captains from Clive Rice to Wessels to Cronje and then to Pollock after the match fixing saga.
On hindsight, was replacing Pollock with Smith a mistake? South Africa were undoubtedly the second best team in the world before the appointment of Smith.
Pollock was a good captain, getting almost every thing right except on that rueful day vs Sri Lanka.
While Smith doesnt seem to make much tactical errors, the 'fighting' South Africa which would never give up under Cronje and Pollock has not been the same under Smith.
One can argue that the bowlers have not been as strong but Pollock had almost the same attack, with a weaker Ntini one might add.
Batting wise, I dont see much difference despite Kirsten not being there any more.
Would continuing Pollock for a longer term, say till 2007 been better? I certainly feel so.. certainly even unrequired off field incidents with some one like Klusener would not have happened. Smith has been pretty outspoken which is some times good but often shows immaturity if not well thought out..
On hindsight, was replacing Pollock with Smith a mistake? South Africa were undoubtedly the second best team in the world before the appointment of Smith.
Pollock was a good captain, getting almost every thing right except on that rueful day vs Sri Lanka.
While Smith doesnt seem to make much tactical errors, the 'fighting' South Africa which would never give up under Cronje and Pollock has not been the same under Smith.
One can argue that the bowlers have not been as strong but Pollock had almost the same attack, with a weaker Ntini one might add.
Batting wise, I dont see much difference despite Kirsten not being there any more.
Would continuing Pollock for a longer term, say till 2007 been better? I certainly feel so.. certainly even unrequired off field incidents with some one like Klusener would not have happened. Smith has been pretty outspoken which is some times good but often shows immaturity if not well thought out..