With Cricket South Africas review of national teams to be conducted shortly, Proteas coach Russell Domingo’s future received a virtual death knell yesterday when the latest ICC Test rankings were released.
The once dominant Proteas have slipped from No 1 to a lowly sixth in the world since the start of 2015-16. A drawn series in Bangladesh, which was followed by consecutive defeats to India 3-0 - South Africa’s first away series defeat in a decade - and a 2-1 loss at home to England, has left Domingo’s team trailing Australia, India, Pakistan, England and New Zealand on the ICC ladder.
The Proteas Test side has already seen a change in leadership, with Hashim Amla resigning as captain and AB de Villiers replacing him. Domingo, though, faces an uncertain future despite still having one year left on his contract.
CSA recently appointed a four-person panel, which includes former World Cup-winning Springbok skipper Francois Pienaar, to conduct a review of all national teams. He will be joined by ex-Proteas batsman Adam Bacher, chairperson of CSA’s HR committee Dawn Mokhobo, and sports physiologist Ross Tucker.
Although South Africa haven’t played a Test since January, and have been deducted 17 points due to series victories over England, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2012-13 being erased, the Test side hasn't resembled a cohesive unit.
There are, however, the retirements of several stalwarts has not helped Domingo’s cause, while long-term injuries to new-ball pair Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander has also affected the transition period.
The duo are likely to return when fifth-placed New Zealand visit for a two-match series in August.
Whether Domingo will be joining them in the dressing-room to oversee the series against the Black Caps is a different matter, though, especially after the Proteas also limped out of the World T20 in India recently. - Cape Times