SPORT has a long history of providing sensational twists and turns.
With some of South Africa’s premier batsman in less-than-spectacular form, as evidenced by the shock 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka in the Tests, is it not time to go cap in hand to AB de Villiers and beg him to return for one final flurry – namely the World Cup in England in a few months’ time.
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It’s not like he’s at home chilling around the swimming pool or getting in 18 holes a day. And as far as we know, he hasn’t taken up bowls – that could still come much later, if his knees decide it’s time for something a little less strenuous.
No, for now he’s finding new ways to hit outrageous sixes in T20 leagues around the world.
Which makes me suspicious…
Is AB’s absence, combined with Hashim Amla’s concerning slump, not all part of a greater ‘bluff’ from the Proteas in a pre-World Cup mind game ploy of epic proportions?
Perhaps the Proteas are keeping AB as a wild card, to catch the rest of the World Cup teams off guard.
Aside from opposition bowlers, there’s not a cricketer on the planet who would not want to see AB at the tournament.
You get the feeling the Proteas cannot win it without him.
Sadly, my elaborate ‘silver lining’ suspicions are probably unfounded. But it might still be worth one more call to AB.
On the flip side, Sri Lanka showed that fresh legs, an uncluttered mind and vibrant enthusiasm can go a long way to turning around some awful results.
With the World Cup approaching at an alarmingly rapid rate, and SA’s team not exactly settled, it may be time to bring in a player or two from ‘left field’, so to speak, something a country like Pakistan has never been afraid to do.
But let’s see how it all goes against Sri Lanka in the forthcoming ODI series. It might be too soon to panic.
Places are up for grabs which could result in some exceptional performances being produced by some of the lesser lights.
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