Amid the gut-wrenching disappointment and frustration of another World Cup semi-final exit for the Proteas, there was scope for optimism — that with the right planning, the 2027 competition, which will be hosted in South Africa, can be an event where the ghosts of tournaments past, can finally be laid to rest.
South Africa exceeded the expectations of most observers, both in the country and at the tournament, with the way they played. It came at a crucial point for the sport in the country, which has been wracked in recent years by controversies that took the focus off what remains the most important brand in South African cricket.
Temba Bavuma’s side needed to demonstrate that years of administrative ineptitude, which played a significant part in what was the worst World Cup campaign by a South African team in 2019, was indeed a thing of the past.
We are on the right track, there’s been a real emphasis on getting the big moments right
— David Miller
Cricket South Africa is now firmly fixed on the future and the 2027 World Cup, which both Enoch Nkwe, the director of cricket, and CEO Pholetsi Moseki have publicly stated the Proteas must win.
It is the priority item on the organisation’s agenda for the next four years and demands the implementation of a clear strategy that is supported at every level of CSA’s structures, from the provincial union presidents — who too often fail to look beyond their local fiefdom — to CEOs, coaches and players.
In some respects the planning for 2027 has already started. Rob Walter’s appointment in February was part of that process, and he has already made an imprint on the team, with the open and relaxed manner in which he and Bavuma have run things.
“Our preparation was outstanding,” said David Miller. “We are on the right track, there’s been a real emphasis on getting the big moments right. We’ve gone about it the right way in this tournament; taking care of each game and not focusing too far ahead.”
Miller and Rassie van der Dussen made the point of explaining that part of the mental approach to the World Cup was ensuring that the players enjoyed it.
“I think that the time we’ve had together in the last eight to 12 weeks will go down as probably some of the best team environments and times I’ve had in my career. Those memories are special,” said Van der Dussen.
It is something that Walter took from his time in New Zealand, where that team’s former captain Brendon McCullum reminded his players in 2015 — when New Zealand hosted the World Cup — about the importance of enjoying the event and each other’s company.
Walter will undoubtedly elevate that sentiment as the 2027 tournament comes into view.
One critical element has been selection, with players now having a clearer understanding of what they need and importantly knowing who they can talk to should they have any gripes.
Walter is the main selector and shares duties with the captain. In many respects they had it fairly easy this year because given the short amount of time at their disposal, the group of players who’d been together under Mark Boucher formed the core of the side that reached the semifinal in India.
There will be changes over the next few years as Walter tries to build experience for younger players, a job which will be trickier as the international calendar will likely see ODIs diminished because of the proliferation of the T20 Leagues.
How big the turnover in personnel will be is something that Nkwe said will become clearer after the Champions Trophy, an eight-team event scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2025.
Tentative talks had already started with the players, but those will become more focused probably later in the season, once the series with India and the SA20 is completed.
Of the current squad Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and even Heinrich Klaasen, who will be 35 then, are likely to return.
Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, who both made huge impressions in the last six weeks, will need their time to be carefully managed by CSA, and more judicious decisions about which T20 tournaments to sign up for by the players and their agents must be strongly considered.
As for Bavuma, that Champions Trophy looms as the time for reflection about his future. Despite how poorly he performed with the bat in the World Cup, he remains one of the team’s best batters and it is likely that should he want to continue playing ODIs, he will have Walter and Nkwe’s backing, at least for the next two years.
It is Bavuma’s body that may finally make up his mind for him, however. The current Proteas captain is an explosive player in the field, and the demands he has put on himself physically over the years have started to take their toll — as the last week in the World Cup illustrated.
There are a number of young top order batters who will be demanding selection in the near future; Dewald Brevis, Jordan Hermann and Matthew Breetzke are foremost among those.
In the middle order Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira need to start putting pressure on Miller and Klaasen.
Perhaps one area of concern will be spin bowling. Keshav Maharaj, who is very disciplined about his fitness, may push himself to finish one part of his international career with a home World Cup, but domestic tweakers, especially wrist-spinners, should be able to see a pathway for themselves into the Proteas team.
The talent is certainly there, but it will take strong conviction from CSA’s leadership to ensure that the plan they put in place for 2027 is diligently followed by everyone within its and its provincial affiliates’ structures.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.