The Proteas convenient little problem

Your vice-captain or the new hot hand on the block? After a rocky start, Ashwell Prince has proven to be a reliable steady influence in the Proteas’ middle order. That summer against the Pakistanis proved to be his making and he’s not looked back since, while his maturity and leadership within the team saw him elevated to vice-captain. Then injury struck and one Jean-Paul Duminy was handed a chance to prove himself. And he took to it like garish on a pimp.

So that is well right/ the Proteas have two competent players hustling for the same place. Sweet, depth — as the Australians proved time and again — is not the worst thing to have in your team. But now an important question is posed: with Ashwell back from injury, what do the selectors do? Go with the man having a purple patch in an Indian summer? Restore Ashwell Prince to the place he has rightfully earned with many a hard fought knock in the service of his country?

There are arguments for both. Form being a very important one and the other — well, loyalty and consistency. You cannot have a squad of players feeling that for all they do on the pitch, to earn their place they are but one unfortunate incident with a can opener from being deposed from the team. On the other hand you show that form is rewarded (a bit late Boeta Dippenaar may argue) and no one should get complacent.

Personally I’d go for Prince; it is just the right thing to do. Duminy should take that with the right attitude and keep working hard. Besides, Kallis won’t be playing forever will he?

Patience son, is not just a common name for a girl in the kasie.