ROB DAVIES, Cape Town | Monday 3.00pm
WHAT a difference a week makes.
This time last week South Africa’s cricket supporters, administrators and players were bristling with indignation at the charges levelled against Hansie Cronje by Indian authorities and the South African government was ready to start a political slugging-match over the Proteas’ skipper.
This time last week fans were looking forward to the series against world champions Australia, hopeful of winning at least one match.
One day later the Proteas were without a skipper, Cronje admitted to being “dishonest”, and accusations were flying thick and fast.
There have been very few people who embodied the (preferred) public face of cricket better than Cronje. He was admired as a fine leader and true gentleman, someone for whom there may have been a future in something far grander than cricket in a few years’ time.
Cricket in South Africa has lost stature, fans and, very likely, a large number of future players — youngsters shattered by the Cronje Affair.
But South Africa has also gained some things.
The current crop of Proteas have gained respect, self-confidence and a will to win.
Nobody thought they would triumph in the series against Steve Waugh’s Australians, and nobody would have cared had they lost.
Instead they played attractive, competitive and winning cricket when nobody thought they’d have the mental energy to tie their bootlaces.
Pollock’s men have withstood this storm, and it is natural that there will be some minor hitches — maybe even major ones, but the side has shown that it is capable of handling pressure far, far greater than anyone thought possible, or was ready to give them credit for.
The Proteas have shown that they are not afraid to take risks, neither are they afraid of experimenting or learning from one another. This is a side that is not afraid of winning.
They are chokers no longer.