Cape Town - Former South African batsman Daryll Cullinan has shared his views on the recent happenings within the Proteas camp.
Cullinan feels Hashim Amla’s decision to step down as Proteas Test captain should be respected.
Amla, whose captaincy had copped criticism in recent times, dropped the bombshell shortly after the conclusion of the drawn second Test between South Africa and England at Newlands on Wednesday.
Amla, who scored a double hundred in the match at Newlands, said he "remained committed" to representing his country across all formats.
Cullinan took to social media after hearing of Amla's decision to relinquish the captaincy.
“I was in favour of Amla being captain as I believed he would bring a different personality and thinking to our leadership. Sadly not to be. We must respect his decision as it took courage to admit that someone else can do a better job. A most admirable man and cricketer,” Cullinan posted on his official Facebook page.
Cullinan went on to question Proteas coach Russell Domingo's role, particularly in light of the number of batting consultants drafted in to help out the struggling line-up.
Following South Africa’s struggles of late with the bat, former captain Graeme Smith was called in as a batting consultant before the Newlands Test.
Smith was the latest in a long line of consultants used by the Proteas management team, with former opener and coach Gary Kirsten, Australian Michael Hussey and former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener also employed in recent times.
Cullinan questioned these moves, writing:
“Domingo has had Kirsten, Hussey, Klusener, Smith as batting consultants. I will say it again, ‘what does he do?' No one has also picked up that all the consultants were and are left-handed batsmen. Some may argue what's the difference between a left hander and a right hander but there are in terms of technique for a start.
“It is so important for a batsman to develop a relationship with a coach. The coach's understanding of his game, mental strengths and weaknesses and the trust that goes with this is very important.
“I have no problem with a consultant but as mentioned above that chemistry has to have time to develop. What are the chances with the changing room being a revolving door? The batsmen will battle to settle down with all these guys coming in who will have their own strong and different opinions. Must be a confusing and insecure environment to find yourself in.”