The South African cricket team, also known as ‘The Proteas,’ is managed by Cricket South Africa. South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council with Test and one-day international status. Cricket in South Africa started with the British, and the first tour by an English side happened in 1888-89. South Africa played its first Test match against England in Port Elizabeth, marking it as the third Test nation.
However, in 1970, the ICC decided to suspend the team from international cricket indefinitely due to its government’s apartheid policy, which favored white players and nations. This decision excluded players like Graeme Pollock from international Test Cricket. It caused some promising players like Allan Lamb and Robin Smith, who played for England, and Kepler Wessels, who initially played for Australia, to leave South Africa. The team was readmitted in 1991 after the apartheid ended, playing its first official match against India. Since then, the Proteas have had mixed success.
The match-fixing scandal involving Hansie Cronje cast a shadow over South African cricket. With his tragic death in a plane crash, a chapter in South African cricket came to a close.
South African cricket has produced many great players. Jacques Kallis is arguably the best, and Graeme Smith was a pivotal leader, especially in Test cricket. Additionally, players like Allan Donald, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla have contributed significantly to their success.
Despite reaching the Cricket World Cup semi-finals three times, they haven’t made it to the finals. In 2011, New Zealand ended their World Cup run in the quarterfinals. In 2015, they were favorites but lost to New Zealand in the semis. They also struggled in the 2017 Champions Trophy, failing to qualify for the knockout stages. In 2018, the retirement of AB de Villiers was a significant setback for the team.
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South Africa (Proteas) unveil new jersey ahead of ODI World Cup 2023
Cricket South Africa also known as ‘The Proteas,’ recently showed off their new jersey for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The tournament is set to kick off in India on October 5.
In a video shared by Cricket South Africa (CSA), the team’s captain, Temba Bavuma, along with players like David Miller, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, and Keshav Maharaj, were seen wearing the new jersey.
This unveiling is an exciting moment for South African cricket fans as the team gets ready for the big tournament in India.
South Africa will continue their ICC Cricket World Cup with a five-match series at home against Australia from September 7 onwards.
South Africa vs Australia Schedule:
September 7: First ODI, Bloemfontein (D/N), 9pm AEST
September 9: Second ODI, Bloemfontein (D/N), 9pm AEST
September 12: Third ODI, Potchefstroom (D/N), 9 pm AEST
September 15: Fourth ODI, Centurion (D/N), 9 pm AEST
September 17: Fifth ODI, Johannesburg, 6 pm AEST
Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Dewald Brevis, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Brjor Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.