Spice up the pitch for Vern’s swansong

Vernon Philander has had a phenomenal Test career for South Africa, but the Proteas need him to perform his greatest hits one last time against England, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Faf’s departure won’t help SA cause

JON CARDINELLI charts the worrying decline of South Africa’s top six, following the retirement of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith six years ago.

Correct ODI squad, seven months too late

The Proteas squad for next month’s three ODIs against England bears an awkward resemblance to what fans, pundits and critics alike wanted at the 2019 World Cup.

Batting with intent, not just slogging

Besides an obvious lack of form and a loss of confidence, the Proteas’ batting lacks the intent and intensity required to put an international bowling attack under pressure, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Player ratings: Look away now, Proteas

The Proteas’ struggles with bat and ball continued in Port Elizabeth as they slumped to an innings and 53-run defeat before lunch on day five of the third Test. WADE PRETORIUS rates the players.

Is time up for Faf?

Could the career of captain Faf du Plessis be coming to an abrupt halt as the Proteas went 2-1 down to England in Port Elizabeth, asks ANDRE HUISAMEN.

SA on the brink at Siege of St George

This is what a medieval siege must have felt like. The enemy have your stone-walled town surrounded. Citizens have already resorted to eating rats. Disease and lethargy and boredom and fear have swirled to concoct a noxious potion. Hope has faded. The bells toll, writes DANIEL GALLAN.

Bess hex puts South Africa in a spin

The ancient Greeks believed that the battlefield was ruled by two mischievous gods: Phobos and Deimos. These deities would stalk among the tight ranks of soldiers and whisper tales of terror.

ICC letting cricket lose its soul

Test cricket will soon lose its soul if the International Cricket Council continues to take the emotion out of the game we love.

SA losing the only fight that matters

After his side’s 189-run defeat in Cape Town, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis praised the fighting spirit of his doomed men.

Maharaj vs Stokes battle can decide PE Test

While the Proteas executed their bowling plans excellently on day one of the Port Elizabeth Test, they need to wrap up the England innings quickly if they want to win this Test match. writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Proteas patient on day of attrition

When Quinton de Kock called for his helmet and made his way towards the stumps at St George’s Park, the Test match was seven overs old. This was a portent for a day of attrition, writes DANIEL GALLAN in Port Elizabeth. 

Paterson – If not, why not?

The decision to have Dane Paterson stay with the Proteas in between the second and third Tests against England, instead of returning to the 4-Day Domestic Series with the Cape Cobras, suggests another debut in Port Elizabeth.

Keep calm, carry on with Faf

The calls to drop Proteas captain Faf du Plessis are far-fetched and more leeway should be given as he tries to lead the team to a series win, writes PHILASANDE SIXABA.

Runs will help Maharaj shine

South Africa’s batsmen need to give left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj something to bowl at if they want him to take advantage at St George’s Park, writes JOHN GOLIATH.