It's 8am and the "Test" squad has just left the comforts of Sun City en route Olympia Park Stadium, Rustenburg. For some of the squad, it has been a long tour, having played against Australia "A" in a 2 match "Test" series and a Triangular, which included India "A".
We are currently playing the 1st "Test" against the India "A" team and clearly the Indian management selected this squad, based on the fact that their top order batsmen need experience in South African conditions, ahead of their international tour later in the year. Only the likes of Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were missing from their top 7 Test team.
The Australian "A" team, seemed just as strong on paper. With the majority of their squad having played international cricket. What better preparation can a South African "A" squad ask for? Being able to pit their skills against some of the best opposition available.
Our boys have been given an opportunity to grow as cricketers. However growth in the game does not only happen from playing, against household names but also interacting with South Africa's best coaches and consultants.
For the first time, during this SA "A" season, coaches from each franchise were invited to be part of High Performance. During the "Test" series against Australia "A", the squad had the benefit of exchanging thoughts with, Head coach, Vincent Barnes, Assistant coaches, Lance Klusner (Dolphins) and Piet Botha (Warriors). The consultants included, batting guru; HD Ackerman, spin specialist Nicky Boje and Sports psychologist Maurice Aronstam, together with the fitness trainer from the Cobras, Dieter Swanepoel.
The assistants in the Triangular Series, which saw India "A" defeat Australia "A" in the final, included Geoffery Toyana (Lions) and Malibongwe Maketa (Warriors Assistant). Currently Sarel Cilliers (Knights) and Paul Adams (Cobras) are assisting during the India "A" "Test" series.
Cricket South Africa's High Performance Department, headed by Vincent Barnes, managed by Corrie Van Zyl and assisted by Greg King have done an awesome job by brainstorming this current programme. The list of coaches and consultants available for players to bounce off ideas and improve their game is immense. They have developed an environment which allows players to learn and grow from the best available minds in South African Cricket.
The goal is clear to see. It is all about the bigger and brighter picture. To produce the best cricketers in the world and become the best cricketing nation in all formats consistently. Providing our players with strong opposition and creating an environment to grow are some of the ways....watch the space. Last season there were 8 SA"A" players whom progressed to the Proteas. I am sure, there will be a few more players representing this proud nation in the not to distant future.
The pipeline is pumping.......
@Craig_gov
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