FORMER Proteas bowler Vernon Philander says South Africa need a serious strategy rethink after yet another hartseer ICC event for the Proteas.
South Africa were klapped by 50 runs by New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan on Wednesday and will now have to watch on the kassie as the Kiwis do battle with India on Sunday at 11am.
Philander, though, reckons there are groter dinge at play than just SA being outplayed by the Kiwis who klapped 362/6 before restricting SA to 312/9.
He says on Cricinfo’s Match Day show: “I just think Cricket South Africa will need to have an overall look at the way they approach, the way they prepare [for ICC tournaments].
“And that starts from the top - from your coaches, from your video analysis: ‘What's going to make my players more effective?’ and then you give the charge over to the captain and say 'off you go'. So yeah, I just think a lot more planning that needs to be taking place heading into these tournaments.
“I do feel from a talent point of view, South Africa have got plenty. But it’s about making those right calls for the conditions at hand. I certainly feel we are not too far away from lifting silverware, but at the end of the day, those honest conversations will need to be had sooner or later.”
David Miller fought a lone battle for SA in the end on Wednesday, scoring an unbeaten 100.
Of the disappointment of losing in the semis, Miller says: “Overall, really proud of the guys and obviously very gutted. There’s a winner and a loser and unfortunately, we lost.”