Clarke Scoops Top ICC Honours

The LG ICC Awards were hosted by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting who won the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy in 2006 and 2007, ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2006 and was appointed captain of ICC’s ODI Team of the Year in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

WINNERS

Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy)
Michael Clarke

Test Cricketer of the Year
Michael Clarke

Australia's Michael Clarke was named both Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year, two of the most prestigious awards, on Clarke's 100th Test, against England in Perth.

In Tests, Clarke reached an incredible 1559 runs during the voting period, more than 300 better than the second highest, Alastair Cook. His 5 Test centuries included 2 double-hundreds and a 187 against England.

Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year
Suzie Bates

New Zealand'sSuzie Bates scored 681 runs, with 2 centuries and 5 half-centuries in 11 innings. She was also the top run scorer in the women's World Cup early this year.

ODI Cricketer of the Year
Kumar Sangakkara

Sri Lanka's Sangakkara was named the ODI Cricketer of the Year, the leading run scorer in ODI cricket with 956 runs, including a career-best of 169 runs against South Africa.

Emerging Cricketer of the Year
Cheteshwar Pujara

India's Cheteshwar Pujara only played two ODIs, but was among five batsmen to score over 1000 Test runs, including 4 centuries in 10 Tests.

Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year
Kevin O'Brien

Kevin O'Brien was recognised for his all-round performances in helping Ireland qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

Twenty20 International Performance of the Year
Umar Gul

Umar Gul took 5 wickets for 6 runs when Pakistan played South Africa in Centurion.

T20I Women's Cricketer of the Year
Sarah Taylor

Spirit of Cricket Award
Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene won the Spirit of Cricket award for walking after being caught behind on 91 at a crucial juncture of the Galle Test against New Zealand.

Umpire of the Year (winning the David Shepherd Trophy)
Richard Kettleborough

England's Richard Kettleborough, only two years in the Elite Panel, and 4 years after his international debut.

LG People’s Choice
MS Dhoni

ICC Test Team of the Year
Alastair Cook (Eng) (captain)
Cheteshwar Pujara (Ind)
Hashim Amla (SA)
Michael Clarke (Aus)
Michael Hussey (Aus)
AB de Villiers (SA)
MS Dhoni (Ind) (wk)
Graeme Swann (Eng)
Dale Steyn (SA)
James Anderson (Eng)
Vernon Philander (SA)
12th Man – Ravichandran Ashwin (Ind)

ICC ODI Team of the Year
Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL)
Shikhar Dhawan (Ind)
Hashim Amla (SA)
Kumar Sangakkara (SL)
AB de Villiers (SA)
MS Dhoni (Ind, wk, captain)
Ravindra Jadeja (Ind)
Saeed Ajmal (Pak)
Mitchell Starc (Aus)
James Anderson (Eng)
Lasith Malinga (SL)
12th Man - Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ)

The South Africans may not have won any individual accolades, but they were selected in the Test and ODI team of the year. Congratulations, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.

Proteas Rock the Rankings

Although the South Africans were aiming for a series whitewash over India, the last One Day International ended as a no result after the Proteas. The Proteas had set India a target of 302 runs to win. Unfortunately a storm and persistent rain halted everything. After the interval, not a single ball was bowled by the Proteas.

Besides the match not ending the way we'd hoped, the Proteas made sure they re-arranged the rankings. On a sad note though, the Proteas remain 5th on the rankings despite winning the series 2-0.

Let's squeeze Ishant Sharma in here somewhere. Sharma claimed his 100th ODI wicket from 70 matches with best figures of 4-38.

Quinton de Kock scored his 4th century, making it his 3rd against India. His top 4 highest scores, all centuries, came in his last two ODI Series against Pakistan and India. That was also de Kock's 3rd consecutive century and he joined AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs as the 3rd South African to score 3 consecutive centuries.

In ODIs after 16 matches, de Kock leap frogged his fellow South African batsmen to first place with 741 runs.

At the end of it all he was Man of the Series and moved 61 places to number 14 in the ODI rankings.

AB de Villiers scored his 16th ODI century, his 3rd against India. De Villiers knocked Virat Kohli for the No. 1 spot in the ODI rankings. He became the third South African to top both the ICC test and ODI batting rankings in the latest list released on Thursday.

Dale Steyn also moved up the bowling rankings. He moved up to 2nd place in the ODI rankings, with Lonwabo Tsotsobe in 8th place and Morne Morkel 9th.

Ryan McLaren entered into the top 20 of the bowlers rankings. He is also South Africa's leading wicket-taker in 2013 with 45 dismissals.

Proteas Win and Lead Series 2-0

Once again I graced Sahara Kingsmead Stadium with my presence to watch the 2nd ODI between South Africa and India.

A wet outfield caused a delayed start at Kingsmead. The match was rescheduled to start at 11:30. India won the toss and chose to bowl. Due to the delayed start, the playing conditions were revised. The match was reduced to 49 overs per side with the powerplays remaining the same.

After the passing of Nelson Mandela, the tour dedicated to him and before the start of the match Archbishop Njongo Ndungane and AB de Villiers spoke about Madiba.

There was a moment of silence in honour of our late former president Nelson Mandela who passed away last Thursday.

"Nelson Mandela was God's instrument of peace," said Archbishop Njongo Ndungane.

Once you speak about Madiba Magic, it carries you home. And that is exactly what the Proteas did. From the start of the match until the last person was dismissed, they were in it to win it.

The Proteas couldn't have wished for a better start. De Kock and Amla behind it all once again. Amla reached the fastest 4 000 ODI runs. Amla and de Kock passed their previous 152 run partnership and together they recorded the highest 1st wicket partnership at Kingsmead, beating 170 runs by A. Gilchrist and M. Hayden in 2001-2002.

De Kock continued his good form as he went on to score another century. Making it his 3rd overall and 2nd against India. A few overs later Amla got his century, making it his 12th and 3rd against India. Unfortunately, their 194 run partnership ends with the dismissal of de Kock in the 35th over.

The Proteas finished their 49 overs with 280-6, with India needing 281 runs to win. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 48 runs.

India could've had a better start. After 10 overs they could only manage 35 runs with the loss of 4 wickets.

A slight drizzle at the stadium could've caused the umpires to take the players off the field. However, they didn't. Raina was the only top scorer for India, scoring 36 runs.

Unfortunately the Proteas dismissed India for 141 runs in 35.1 overs. India were all out with the first ball of the batting poweplay. Tsotsobe claimed 4 wickets while Steyn took 3 wickets.

The Proteas won by 134 runs and won the series. Again de Kock was named Man of the Match for scoring 106 runs and taking 4 catches. At the rate he's going, he might also win Man of the Series.

At the stadium, one of the Indian supporters had a poster written 'WORLD CHAMPIONS v WORLD CHOKERS'. I think that supporter left with his tail tucked between his legs.

The 3rd and final ODI will take place on 11 December at SuperSport Park, in Centurion at 13:30.

Do I sense a WHITEWASH?

Proteas Win Pink Day

The first One Day International between South Africa and India was referred to as Pink Day, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

The Proteas were wearing a pink kit, topped with a pink helmet and pink pads that looked like strawberry ice cream - I just wanted to lick them. The South African cricket team sponsors came out to play - Adidas, Momentum, Castle Lager. Most things were pink. The stumps, ribbons, beer cups, SALSOC banner, Momentum flags, Castle Lager boards, ground staff t-shirts - most things were pink. India wore pink ribbons and apparently had their names or numbers written in pink on their backs - well, I didn't see the pink numbers. However, not many supporters were wearing pink - that was disappointing.

Unfortunately, the Proteas had just come from a 2-1 series loss to Pakistan on home soil and were about to take on India (1) who have never won an ODI Series in South Africa. Media everywhere scaring South Africa about the quality of the Indian bowlers. However, where were they during the Proteas innings?

India won the toss and chose to bowl. In one over India missed two catches, both de Kock and Amla. However, as Amla and de Kock batted, South Africa's projected score kept increasing. Amla reached his 23rd ODI 50 and his 5th against India. Going so well, the Proteas took batting powerplay in the 29th over. Eventually Amla was gone for 65 runs, breaking their 152 run partnership.

De Kock recorded his 2nd ODI century against no. 1 ranked ODI side. He is so good, that he is yet to score a half century in the few matches he has played. De Kock was dismissed for 135 runs. When it comes to discussing de Kock, Graeme Smith's name pops up. It appears youngster de Kock will unwillingly take Smith's place - permanently. This could indicate that Smith's career will be over because there's a new king in town, and he's giving selectors a headache.

When de Villiers came to the crease, he began smashing shots like there's no tomorrow. Our skipper making batting look effortless, and when he taps the Proteas badge on his shirt - pulls on my heart strings. He was later joined by Duminy who also whacked a couple of balls across and over the boundary. De Villiers reached his 35th ODI 50 and his 9th against India. Duminy also reached an ODI 50, his 18th and 4th against India. Together they took the Proteas to 358-4 after 50 overs. The total became South Africa's highest total in 16 ODIs. To some extent, this match reminds you of the 438 match against Australia.

India found themselves needing 359 runs to win in 50 overs from 7.18 runs per over. When Virat Kohli stepped to the crease, Yuvraj Singh was sitting in the dressing room like he was afraid or anxious. Kohli was dropped on 2 by de Kock, but eventually, he was out for 31 after giving India a vital boost. Singh came in and was dismissed for a duck - I think they should bring back the duck.

At one point India lost 3 wickets for just 5 runs, while the required run rate just kept increasing. At 65-4, Dhoni came to the crease - reminded me of Misbah-ul-haq - if you watch cricket, you'll know what I'm referring to. Dhoni was also dropped, this time by Miller on 18 and went on to make 65 runs until he was bowled by Steyn. He reached his 51st ODI 50 and his 3rd against South Africa.

Although the Proteas were in the driving seat, they were struggling immensely with extras. They produced a total of 29 extras. I guess Allan Donald has some work to do with his bowlers.

India were bowled out in 41 overs, only managing 217 runs. Steyn and McLaren taking 3 wickets each and de Kock finally named Man of the Match. The Proteas winning the 1st ODI by 141 runs and lead the 3-match series 1-0.

THE PINK DRIVE

Any direct hit of the inflatable giant ‘M’ in Momentum Family Area means a R100,000 donation. For every 6 hit into the Momentum Family Area, Momentum will donate R10,000 to @ThePinkDrive!

"@Momentum_za: To support breast cancer awareness we’ll donate R10 to @ThePinkDrive for every RT. Early detection saves lives. Get examined. #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: Support a great cause by SMSing PinkDrive to 40158 to donate R20 #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: We love the boundaries! Remember, for every 4 hit by either side, Bidvest will donate R1000 to #ThePinkDrive. #PinkDay5Dec #PureProtea"

"@OfficialCSA: @CastleLagerSA will donate R400 for every 4 hit by the Proteas and R100 for every run they score. #PureProtea #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: @adidasZA will donate 20% of every shirt sold at the stadium to the @ThePinkDrive #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: R5000 made off that last over. Bidvest donation: Every 4 = R1000, Every 6 = R4000 #GoBoys #PinkDay5Dec #PureProtea"

"@OfficialCSA: R27 800 has been raised for #PinkDay5Dec so far! It's for a great cause! #BreastCancerAwareness #GoBoys #PureProtea" (±1 hour played)

"@OfficialCSA: 12 761 people at the Bidvest Wanderers at the moment. Looking forward to a packed ground later in the afternoon. #PinkDay5Dec" (± 15:00)

"@OfficialCSA: R153 200 has been raised so far off the Proteas' innings. Well done boys! #PinkDay5Dec #BreastCancerAwareness"

"@CastleLagerSA: We will be donating R 35 800 towards breast cancer. Thank the Proteas for their help in scoring all those runs. Cheers! #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: R205 200 has been raised from runs scored so far for The PinkDrive & their mission to raise awareness about breast cancer! #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: R15 624 has been donated via the SMS line. Thank you everyone who's been taking part! #PinkDay5Dec"

"@OfficialCSA: Great news! @Momentum_za are donating a further R100 000 despite the big inflatable 'M' in the family area not being hit! #StandingOvation"

NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA

A few months ago I said when Nelson Mandela dies, broadcasts will be disrupted and the world will stop and watch. That's what happened. Right in the middle of my cricket highlights, Nelson Mandela is on the screen. I'm thinking SuperSport made a mistake. When I took a proper look 'NELSON MANDELA PASSED ON PEACEFULLY IN THE COMPANY OF HIS FAMILY AROUND 20:50 CAT ON THE 5TH OF DECEMBER 2013.' - shock of my life! I just sat there in the disbelief.

@OfficialCSA: You played a fine innings.

@YesWeCrann: Madiba's final victory, in death, is uniting the nation that he fought so hard for. #RIPMandela