One important rule before I start my team selection.
First, I could pick a team filled with all-rounders to 'cover' for the lack of strong options among the quota players. It would be the best way to make the best team possible given the strength in depth among the white players. However, such thinking in a perverted way was what ultimately caused the downfall of South African cricket for it's racist policies and exclusion. Despite the eventual re-admission and quotas leading to a resurgence in interest among the more downtrodden communities, the lack of quality players is still staggering and points out to just how much work still needs to be done. And recent news of clubs and sides just picking players of color to bat them in the middle or even the lower order, have them bowl just 2-3 overs per day and essentially 'carry' them is shameful when such players were top quality batsmen in the top order for their respective sides or really skilled bowlers/all-rounders.
So with that in mind, I've decided to make sure that every person of color I select will play a role in my side. Does that mean my team will be weaker in comparison? Yes, but that is also the price to pay for having such a racist approach to cricket for decades, something that still carries till date with how the recent allegations in regards to the BLM movement have brought out ugly truths at the very highest level of cricket in the country. This does not mean that I will not pick a dual role cricketer at all, it depends on how my side looks going forward. However, I shall not be picking a half decent black batsman to bat him at eight or nine to strengthen the batting depth while having the bowling roles filled up by all-rounders in the middle order like in the Panesar draft. To do so myself when I've been a critic of the current issues plaguing South African issue would be hypocritical.
My first pick will be
Hashim Amla. Despite nearly three years of steep decline, he still averages 46 in test cricket and averaged above 50 at his peak. He remains the only South African to score a triple century in test cricket. In addition, at the peak of his powers over a four year period he was arguably the greatest batsman in the world and was the highest run-scorer in away tours for South Africa. Among cricketers who played in this century, there is no one with a better record than Amla in India, arguably the toughest place for a touring country to play in. A glittering career filled with glorious knocks ended with Amla being the second highest run-scorer in the country's history. More than that though, it was the impact Amla brought to the game of cricket with his calm, classy and composed attitude that deserves mention. A true giant of the game in every sense who will be remembered for years into the future.
@Parth D to continue.
