South Africa’s overcrowded cricket season begins this week with three one-day internationals against Zimbabwe. This hastily arranged series is the result of last month’s enforced early departure from Sri Lanka.
It is principally notable for the lack of thought that has gone into the logistics of what is, admittedly, a very short tour.
Did anyone at Cricket South Africa consider, for instance, the logistical nightmare that sees a day/night game in Bloemfontein on Friday followed by a day game in East London on Sunday?
The travelling band of players, administrators, broadcasters and reporters will have time to reflect on the decision at length. They have a choice of flying from Bloemfontein to East London via Johannesburg or Durban. Each option takes approximately eight hours. Not surprisingly, some have already decided to risk a road trip.
Needless to say, this is not the ideal preparation for two elite cricket teams, although it would be difficult to describe Zimbabwe in such rarefied terms right now.
They have just been advised by the International Cricket Council of a return to Test cricket late next year and are desperate to get some experience between now and then.
The long road began in Kimberley on Wednesday night with a Pro20 match against the Eagles, the South African domestic champions.
Things were looking good while Zimbabweans Terry Duffin and Brendan Taylor were adding 52 for the second wicket, but the fall of Duffin precipitated a slide from 79/1 to 103 all out, a total that the Eagles reached with eight overs and nine wickets to spare.
No doubt we will become accustomed to such one-sided contests this week.