Cape Town - New Cricket SA CEO Haroon Lorgat says massive improvement is needed before the Proteas can again become a force in one-day cricket.
The Proteas are the world top test team, but have struggled in ODIs in recent times, and lost 4-1 in their recently completed series in Sri Lanka.
Lorgat told Die Burger's website that he expects the Test team to stay at the top for a long time, but he's not as upbeat about the one-day side's fortunes.
"I believe Russell (Domingo, coach) and AB (de Villiers, captain) are aware of the hard work that lies ahead. We always knew Sri Lanka would be a tough tour and it also didn't help that injuries to three key players (with over 700 matches combined) scuppered plans."
Lorgat, however, asked fans to be patient with the team.
"It is now, when the things aren't going so well, that the team really needs the public's support."
The Proteas now shift their attention to a three-match T20 series, starting in Colombo on Friday (15:30 SA time).
The Proteas are the world top test team, but have struggled in ODIs in recent times, and lost 4-1 in their recently completed series in Sri Lanka.
Lorgat told Die Burger's website that he expects the Test team to stay at the top for a long time, but he's not as upbeat about the one-day side's fortunes.
"I believe Russell (Domingo, coach) and AB (de Villiers, captain) are aware of the hard work that lies ahead. We always knew Sri Lanka would be a tough tour and it also didn't help that injuries to three key players (with over 700 matches combined) scuppered plans."
Lorgat, however, asked fans to be patient with the team.
"It is now, when the things aren't going so well, that the team really needs the public's support."
The Proteas now shift their attention to a three-match T20 series, starting in Colombo on Friday (15:30 SA time).