Former Proteas questioned the pride of the current team after their World Cup hopes came to an end on Saturday.
With a record of five losses from seven games after their embarrassing 45-run defeat to Pakistan at Lord’s this weekend, this is South Africa’s worst showing at the tournament since missing out on the playoffs on home soil in 2003.
And the likes of Jacques Kallis and former skipper Graeme Smith, let loose on Twitter.
Kallis wrote: “Losing is part of sport but it is worrying to see teams don’t have to be at their best to beat the Proteas. It was something the Proteas prided themselves on.”
Losing is part of sport but it is worrying to see teams dont have to be at their best to beat the Proteas. It was something the Proteas prided themselves on.
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) June 24, 2019
Biff, who led the Proteas in the 2007 and 2011 tournaments, adds: “It really has been difficult to watch. I try and consider the plans and thoughts but I’m baffled.”
Allan Donald, who was at the centre of their epic 1999 semifinal loss to Australia, also weighed in.
He tweeted: “@OfficialCSA There will be a lot of questions asked after this @cricketworldcup there is no doubt. Most important one for me is what will the 4 year plan look like moving forward when the dust settles?”
Former allrounder Albie Morkel felt sympathy for the manne.
He posted: “One of the toughest places to be right now is in that Protea change room. Feel sorry for the boys but they will be first to admit that this World Cup will be one to forget.”
One of the toughest places to be right now is in that Protea change room. Feel sorry for the boys but they will be first to admit that this word cup will be one to forget.
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) June 23, 2019
Ex-batsman Alviro Petersen suggested that there should be an inquest into the flop campaign.
I fundamentally disagree against anyone suggesting a complete clean out in regards to the Proteas. @OfficialCSA must identify areas of concern and address them. And no, there is nothing wrong with the provincial system, it's just a way of abusing transformation, IMO.
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 24, 2019
He tweeted: “I fundamentally disagree against anyone suggesting a complete clean out in regards to the Proteas.
“@OfficialCSA must identify areas of concern and address them. And no, there is nothing wrong with the provincial system, it’s just a way of abusing transformation, IMO.”