Share

Smith shrugs off race issue

Cape Town - Proteas skipper Graeme Smith says recent rumblings in the boardroom regarding the number of black players in the team won't unsettle them.

Convenor of selectors Andrew Hudson on Wednesday had to explain himself to the board of Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the way in which the selectors handled wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile. The Highveld Lions wicketkeeper was given a national contract last year and was assured he would be given an opportunity in the Test side during the current series against New Zealand.

Instead, Tsolekile was dropped from the squad, having not been given an opportunity to play a single Test on tours of England and Australia, with key batsman AB de Villiers being entrusted with the gloves as the current successor to Mark Boucher.

"Andrew Hudson was invited to address us and he explained the selectors' thinking in detail," acting CSA president Willie Basson, told SAPA.

"After a long and intensive debate, he left more enlightened and informed about what is required from the selectors in terms of transformation. He has been sensitised to make sure the selectors deal with transformation in the most appropriate way in future."

Basson also confirmed that a mandatory number of black African players was being considered by CSA for franchise and national teams.

"The target at the moment is four blacks for franchise and national teams, but a stipulation for black Africans will be coming as part of the strategy of the transformation committee," Basson said.

But Smith assured fans his side will remain focused on the task at hand as they prepare to face New Zealand in the second Test, starting in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

"It's not a distraction because Gary (Kirsten, Proteas coach) has always communicated clearly with Thami," Smith told the Beeld website.

"He knows where he stands with us, but I can't say what the selectors may or may not have told him."

Smith said the current South African team has walked "a very long road" when it comes to transformation.

"It's fantastic to finally be able to say every player in the team is there on merit - and nobody is asking anymore why Hashim Amla of Robin Peterson gets picked," said Smith.

"Transformation is an ongoing process and we'll always keep searching for the next Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe or Thami at first class level.”

The Test at St George's Park starts at 10:30 on Friday. The Proteas won the first Test in Cape Town by an innings and 27 runs.

Teams:

South Africa:
Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wicketkeeper), Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel

New Zealand (from):
Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, BJ Watling (wicketkeeper), Colin Munro, Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Jeetan Patel, Bruce Martin

Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG), Kumar Dharmasena (SRI)
TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1977 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE