Season 2 of SA20 has kicked off, and Graeme Smith, in his recent column with online cricket betting site Betway, delved into various cricket-related topics worldwide. He particularly focused on Dean Elgar and David Warner's impact on the game.
Ambitions from SA20
Expressing enthusiasm for SA20's second season, Smith, as Commissioner, highlighted the meticulous planning behind the platform's formation, ensuring strong teams for a highly competitive cricketing experience.
Raising the standards through SA20
Acknowledging the scheduling challenge with South Africa's tour of New Zealand, Smith emphasized the commitment to elevating standards in cricket. As a member of the MCC Committee, he advocated for an ICC fund to safeguard Test cricket for the core playing nations.
Bidding Farewell to DEAN ELGAR
My presence at Newlands was a tribute to Dean Elgar's remarkable career, a journey marked by unwavering dedication and a heart-on-the-sleeve playing style. Elgar played a crucial role in our team's significant success and subsequently emerged as a leader during the rebuilding phase following retirements.
Dean epitomizes the essence of South African cricket – a player not necessarily touted as the most gifted, but one whose incredible achievements stem from resilience, mental fortitude, and relentless hard work. While we shared a light-hearted moment about his humble beginnings with a pair, he managed to rack up scores of 4 and 12 on the first day of his final Test. However, it's the tremendous accomplishments sandwiched between those innings that truly define his illustrious career.
Despite possessing a wealth of talented bowlers, the Proteas are grappling with inconsistency in Test batting. Dean Elgar's departure from the top order will undoubtedly leave a significant void. His departure is a loss that highlights the current hit-and-miss nature of our Test batting lineup, as evidenced by the lack of sustained consistency across averages. Elgar's contributions will be sorely missed, and his legacy will endure as a testament to the tenacity and commitment he brought to South African cricket.
Smith not the right Warner replacement
Regarding David Warner's absence from the Australian side, Smith emphasized the void left by such dynamic players, emphasizing Warner's role in setting the tone and applying pressure. Expressing surprise at Steve Smith's opening role against the West Indies, Smith expressed concerns about the potential exposure to the new ball.
On KP calling for Burger to be more aggressive
Reflecting on Kevin Pietersen's call for aggression from a player named Burger, Smith stressed the importance of authenticity and praised the player for striking a balance between intensity and composure.
On India v England
Commenting on the India vs. England series, Smith anticipated challenging conditions in India and commended England's positive yet strategic approach. He highlighted the Indian team's confidence and experience at home, emphasizing the intriguing clash of strategies.
Acknowledging Usman Khawaja's stellar performance, Smith suggested giving opportunities to new openers while maintaining stability in the middle order with Smith's consistent contributions.
