That’s right folks, it’s awards time again for the South African cricket fraternity. Seems that just the other day we were singing the praises of Graeme Smith as he took the award for SA cricket player of the year, mostly for his captaincy during a serious purple patch for SA cricket.

On Tuesday 20^th July Cricket South Africa will name the winner in each category, I figured that since I’m a betting man, I’ll stick my neck out and make my picks.

CSA Umpire of the year: who cares?

MTN40 Cricketer of the year: Tough call, Colin Ingram had a superb season, ending with the most runs in the competition; an average of 60 and a highest score of 125*, which is impressive. Not to be out done, Gibbs also put in a quality performance finishing the MTN40 with the highest average of 70.85 at a strike rate of 119.23 – pure class. This has always been a batsmen’s game, and as a fast bowler myself I’m glad to see a bowler being nominated, Rusty Theron had a stellar season with the ball, he took the most wickets in three games less than second place Tsotsobe. His performance caught the eye of the national selectors and he broke into the T20 squad for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament. My prediction: Rusty Theron.

Standard Bank Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: Could a bowler ever win this award? For me it’s between Colin Ingram and Morne van Wyk. My prediction: Morne van Wyk but I would have like to have seen Vaughn van Jaarsveld nominated.

SuperSport Series Cricketer of the Year: Honestly I didn’t watch a single game, or follow the series in the news, it’s a pity – I know. I can’t make a prediction in this category, I’d be guessing.

Standard Bank International Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: This is probably the easiest prediction to make. My prediction: Jacques Kallis for the way he has transformed his game to become one of the leading players of T20 cricket, he’s been consistent with the bat and has been doing so at a good strike rate. Kallis has also added variation to the bowling attack, making this an easy decision.

Standard Bank ODI Cricketer of the Year: Easy choice, there have been only three batsmen in the game to have scored three consecutive ODI centuries. AB de Villiers added his name to the list to make it four when he scored 102 against the West Indies in the first ODI of the series. His previous two centuries were against India (114*,102), the other players on the list are Zaheer Abbas (Pak), Saeed Anwar (Pak) and Herschelle Gibbs. My prediction: AB de Villiers

CSA Test Cricketer of the Year: Do I really have to say anything? No I don’t because I’ve said it before. My Predication: Hashim Amla

SA Cricketer of the Year: Hashim Amla has carried himself with pride and respect over the past few years, he had his doubters at the beginning of his career, but over the past year he really has become one of the best players that South Africa has produced. Amla scored his highest total of 253* against India this year and if circumstances had allowed he would have gone on to set a new record. He scored two ODI centuries in 2010, at an average of 74.71 – and people said that he couldn’t play the ODI game. My prediction: Hashim Amla

The finalists are:

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS: DOMESTIC

CSA Umpire of the Year: Johan Cloete, Marais Erasmus, Brian Jerling
MTN40 Cricketer of the Year: Herschelle Gibbs, Colin Ingram, Rusty Theron
Standard Bank Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: Robbie Frylinck, Colin Ingram, Morne van Wyk
SuperSport Series Cricketer of the Year: Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Thami Tsolekile

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS: SA TEAM

Standard Bank International Pro20 Cricketer of the Year: AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt
Standard Bank ODI Cricketer of the Year: Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis
CSA Test Cricketer of the Year: Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn
SA Cricketer of the Year: Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn

Sometimes you just can’t seem to arrange your life around the cricket schedule, no matter how hard you try. There’s always a game that you miss for some reason or the other, a birthday, anniversary and then there’s that thing called a job that often gets in the way of watching your team laying down a whipping, or sometime getting whipped.

So what are you to do, I found a way. The cool dudes from MWEB offered me an uncapped ADSL account to test out. It’s awesome, but it gets better, combined with their video on demand service  you can download any sports content to your PC. So if you’re stuck at the office, or you’re sitting around in the Caribbean with nothing to do because you didn’t perform well… then hop onto the video on demand site and check out that classic catch that you missed.

And for the hell of it click on that banner on the right, and keep clicking its hilarious.

On the back of the poor performance of the current Proteas team in the ICC World T20 and the negative media back lash, I though it would be a good idea to select a South African T20 dream team of players who retired before T20 cricket came of age.

As my regular readers will know I love twitter, it gives me the opportunity to discuss cricket events as they happen. I asked my followers who they would include in this team, and this is what came of it, perhaps these guys should be selecting the current T20 team as well:

In batting order:

1. Gary Kirsten (batsman) – Suggested by @SACricketBlog
2. Daryl Cullinan (batsman) – Suggested by @MrTruckBox
3. Jonty Rhodes (batsman) – Suggested by @StdBankCricket
4. 4. Hansie Cronje (all rounder) – Suggested by @Slbry
5. Lance Klusner (all rounder) – Suggested by @Spursgirl
6. Dave Callaghan (all rounder) – Suggested by @MrTruckBox
7. Dave Richardson (Keeper) – Suggested by @StdBankCricket
8. Richard Snell (all rounder) – Suggested by @SACricketBlog
9. Pat Symcox (spin bowler) – Suggested by @PhillipGibb
10. Brian McMillan (all rounder) – Suggested by @SnowGooseSA
11. Meyrick Pringle (pace bowler) – Suggested by @Leeontwitta
12. Fanie de Villiers (pace power) – Suggested by @SanjeebCNNIBN
13. Clive Rice (all rounder) – Suggested by @GarryThomson
14. Adrain Kuiper (batsman) – Suggested by @SACricketBlog

Not a bad squad at all, it’s got some big hitters in Klusner, Callaghan, Snell and Kuiper. We’ve got our spin bowler in Symcox and in T20 cricket the key to bowling is taking the pace off the ball, can you imagine how successful Hansie Cronje and Brian McMillan would have been as a bowlers in T20?

And of course Hansie would be our captain.

Some players who missed out on our team; Clive Eksteen, Nic Pothas, Peter Kirsten and Allan Donald. Who would you have included in our T20 Squad?

It’s a bold statement and one not made lightly. I’m of the opinion that Hashim Amla will become the highest scoring Test batsman that South Africa has ever produced.

My opinion is not based merely on the recent batting lessons that he gave India, but on his past performances and how he plays his cricket. Amla is the most patient batsman that I have ever seen play, except Jack Russell in that Wanderers Test. Amla plays with total control, self-discipline and with powers of concentration that is unrivalled.

When Amla get’s in, he converts

AB de Villiers has long been touted as the next great batsman, but AB’s inability to convert half-centuries into centuries is becoming a problem for him. de Villiers has no patients at all, he plays at just about everything and it’s starting to tell on his performance. de Villiers has scored 21 half-centuries, and has only 9 centuries – Amla has 16 half-centuries and 10 centuries.

Current the only South African player in Amla’s class is Jacques Kallis, Kallis has done magnificently well for South Africa, and holds the record for most runs scored by a South African in Test cricket. Kallis is eight years Amla’s senior, Amla is 7 000 odd runs behind Kallis, then consider that Amla has scored 948 runs in the last 12 months – Amla will surpass that record.

Recent Test series performances:

• Australia (Away): 6 innings, 259 runs at an average of 51.8
• Australia (Home): 5 innings, 147 runs at an average of 29.4
• England (Home): 7 innings, 311 runs at an average of 44.4
• India (Away): 3 innings, 490 runs at an average of 490.0

Career highlights:

• Highest score 253* against India.
• Test century at Lords, 2008 114*
• 16 half centuries
• 10 centuries

Hashim Amla’s cricketing achievements are complemented by the way the man lives his life. He’s a religious man who doesn’t drink, carries himself with pride and has respect for his fellow team mates and opposition alike. Have you ever seen Amla swing his bat in anger after getting out? Or shake his head at a poor decision?

Hashim Amla is more than a great batsman, he’s a true gentleman of the game and role model to the South African youth.

Come all ye fair young maidens and harken unto me,
Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be.

Randier than a sailor, who’s been six months at sea.
Never let a cricketer’s hand an inch above your knee.

First let’s take the Paceman, pure speed from first to last.
My darlings do be careful, his balls are hard and fast.

Then there’s the Medium Pacer, his balls swing either  way.
He’s really most persistent and can keep it up all day.

Watch out for the Off-spinner, girls, another awkward chap.
If you leave him half an opening, he will slip one through the gap.

Then there’s the wiley ’slowy’, pure cunning is his strength,
He’ll tempt you, then he’ll trap you with his very subtle length.

So ladies, do be careful—your mothers would agree.
Never trust a cricketer—-whoever he may be.

And what about the Opening bat, his struggles never cease,

He has just one ambition, to spend all day at the  ’crease’.

The number Three is a dasher, he seldom prods and pokes,

When he goes into action, he has a fine array of strokes.

And do beware the Slogger, not content with one or two,

When he opens up for action, then only six will do.

Then there’s the real stonewaller, girls, he knows what he’s about,

and if you let him settle in, it’s hard to get him out.

We come now to the last man, be ready for a shock,

He doesn’t mind if he’s last man in -as long as he gets a knock.

So, darlings, do be careful-and be well warned by me,

Never trust a cricketer- whoever he may be.

—————————————————————————————————————————–

This was sent in by Pierre de Villiers

The Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Formerly known as: Kent Park

Capacity: 34 000

End Names: Corlett Drive End, Golf Course End

Home team: Lions

The Wanderers is also known as the Bull Ring, it’s the premier cricket stadium in South Africa holding the biggest capacity. The Wanderers is also the home of Cricket South Africa.

The Wanderers, formerly sponsored by Liberty Life, and now by Bidvest is one of the most intimidating stadiums South African cricket has to offer, not only does it have the biggest capacity, but the Johannesburg crowd love their cricket and their team. The Johannesburg crowd is not afraid to voice their opinions of players fielding on the boundary.

The Wanderers cricket stadium hosted the final of the 2003 cricket world cup final between India and Australia, which Australia won by 125 runs. The stadium also hosted the 438 game on the 12th of March 2006, the One Day International (ODI) between Australia and South Africa broke the record for the highest score in ODI cricket…. twice in one night. In the first inning Ricky Ponting top scored with 164, to see his team set the highest total in ODI cricket, 434. Chasing the highest total ever, the never say die attitude of the Proteas cricket team was put on display by Herschelle Gibbs when he scored 175 runs to win the game by 1 wicket with 1 ball remaining, and by doing so South Africa set the highest total in ODI cricket, 438.

Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini share the title for most wickets taken at The Wanderers, with 53 each. Polly has a slightly better economy rate of 2.44. Jacques Kallis holds the record for most runs at the ground on 994, which includes two centuries, four half-centuries with a highest score of 186 against New Zealand.

As you may be aware, SA Cricket Blog, has a Twitter account: @sacricketblog, I love being on Twitter, especially during cricket games as it gives me a chance to chat and discuss events as they happen, and get the opinions of other people. Being on Twitter also gives you access to some of the past and current players as well as professional journalists.

I was recently asked two questions via Twitter. The first one was from @blindcripple, he asked: “Why is it we’re limited to overs on the final day with only one wicket left? I thought if light was okay, we could keep going?” link to original tweet. @Blindcripple was referring to the final days play at SuperSport Park Centurion when South Africa required just one more wicket to win the test match.

So I looked up the laws governing test cricket, and this is what I found:

Law 16.2 Extra Time

The umpires may decide to play 30 minutes (a minimum of eight overs) extra time at the end of any day (other than the last day) if requested by either captain if, in the umpires opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day [this is in addition to the additional time provided for in Clause 16.1.3 above]. If the umpires do not believe a result can be achieved no extra time shall be allowed.

Hope that answers your question @blindcripple.

The second question came from @gabyrosario, she asked: “Re: anti corruption in cricket, how does the ICC protect players. Exactly? Looked online ACSU not telling me anything.” link to original tweet.

I personally don’t think that it’s up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to protect players from corruption. I’m of the opinion that every international cricket player is a professional sportsman who knows right from wrong. It’s up to the individual to decide weather they want to break the laws. It’s quite simple to me, if someone is offering you money for information or to alter the result of a game then you’re breaking the laws.

I did however find a link on the ICC’s website that offers more information on what the ICC are doing to fight corruption in cricket. Link to ICC Anti Corruption initiative

Hope you get further information from that link @gabyrosario

Looking forward to answering your questions posted either on the blog, via twitter or email.

Makhaya Ntini is set to make history in the first test against England tomorrow. Ntini will become the fifth South African to play 100 test matches, and the only black player to achieve this feat. The other members of this exclusive club are: Jacques Kallis (130), Mark Boucher (125), Shaun Pollock (108) and Gary Kirsten (101).

Ntini becomes only the sixth fast bowler in the history of test cricket to play 100 test matches. Ntini currently has 388 test wickets to his name, just 12 shy of 400. Ntini is 34 wickets away from the record of test wickets by a South African, currently held by Shaun Pollock on 421. I’m not sure Makhaya Ntini’s test career will span long enough for him to get past Polly, but you never now a batting collapse in a few innings by England might just get him there.

Congratulations Makhaya Ntini on your test century, I’m looking forward to seeing your t-shit when you take a wicket in your 100th game, I’m sure there will be a message under there like when you took your 300th test wicket.

Let’s be honest, the English tour to South Africa has been dismal. The Pro20 series was drawn mainly due to the rain at the Wanderers, the ODI Series was a waste of time with two of the five games being washed out and the games that were played, were very poorly attended.

With the first test match starting on Wednesday, you have to ask, does anyone really care? We’ve seen so much cricket over the past few months, that the series against some pasty previously South African players just seems like a waste of time.

I really hope that the test series picks up some interest, and that the crowds come out in support of their team. CSA hasn’t pulled the smartest move by playing a December test on the highveld, the streets of Joburg are emptying faster than the Castle kegs at the cricket. They should play the December test on the coast, where all the people are…

I also believe that the poor attendance at the stadiums is due to some very basic mistakes, like the total lack of marketing by CSA. I’m a cricket fan through and through, I post the fixtures of the series on my own blog, and occasionally I turn on the TV and the cricket is on, unbeknown to me. So how is the average spectator supposed to keep up with the cricket schedule… come on CSA put your back into it.

ONE of South Africa’s most respected cricket publications will be unveiled when the Mutual & Federal South African Cricket Annual is launched in Johannesburg on November 9.

It is the 56th volume of the Annual and the 15th under the editorship of veteran cricket writer Colin Bryden. Only the legendary Geoffrey Chettle, who edited the first 22 editions, has had a longer tenure in charge.

It also marks the 13th year in which Mutual & Federal have supported the publication in one of cricket’s longest-running sponsorships.

The importance of the Mutual & Federal Annual was stressed by Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa.

“The annual is a vital part of CSA’s portfolio because it records for posterity the achievements of both our professional and amateur players,” said Majola. “This edition is a real collectors’ item because it contains the playing details of South African cricket’s best ever season.

“This includes the extraordinary deeds of Graeme Smith and the Proteas who rose to the top of the world’s Test and ODI ratings by the end of the season. Their achievements included the unprecedented “double” of beating both England and Australia in a Test series on their home turf.

“We would like to thank both Mutual & Federal and the annual’s editor, Colin Bryden, most sincerely for producing this highly respected publication,” he concluded.

Bryden, who recently retired after 18 years as cricket correspondent of the Sunday Times, said he hoped to continue to edit the Mutual & Federal Annual for several years to come.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have the responsibility for producing an accurate record of the game in South Africa, particularly in times as exciting as these when our players are setting new standards of excellence on the world stage,” said Bryden.

When Bryden took over as editor in 1995, South Africa had recently emerged from international isolation and the Annual was in need of a revamp. He oversaw a complete re-design which brought the publication in line with the best in modern typography.

More importantly, he said, was to ensure that the Annual met the highest standards of credibility. “With the massive contributions of Andrew Samson, the official CSA statistician, and Robin Isherwood, who checks every record and every statistic with an astonishing eye for detail, we have been able to achieve an exceptional degree of accuracy.”

One tradition which Bryden carried over from previous editors was to select five Cricketers of the Year. The naming of the Mutual & Federal SA Cricket Annual Cricketers of the Year has become a highlight of the launch function each year.

In addition to providing a detailed record of the previous year’s cricket, Bryden strives to commission feature articles by leading cricket personalities and writers.

The 2009 Mutual & Federal Annual includes articles by Proteas coach Mickey Arthur, who describes the planning and philosophy behind South Africa’s recent success, and former fast bowler Vintcent van der Bijl, who writes about the umpiring referral system, which will be used in all Test series over the next year. Van der Bijl is the manager of the International Cricket Council’s match referees and umpires and is thus ideally placed to provide an insider’s view.

You can buy the book online by visiting the Mutual & Federal website, or you could email your order to cricket@mf.co.za