NEIL MANTHORP: Why cricket fans have lost interest in the Proteas
The boardroom acrimony and the national team’s poor performance have ensured fans turn to other sports instead
The last time the Proteas toured the Caribbean they faced a significant challenge for airtime and column inches from the football World Cup being staged back at home. Needless to say, it was a fight they couldn’t win despite playing some fine, attractive cricket, which resulted in a 2-0 Test series win and a 5-0 sweep of the one-day internationals (ODIs).
This time they face another battle for attention, with the British and Irish Lions tour of the country imminent. Already it is obvious that all Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber and Siya Kolisi have to do is open their mouths to claim a back-page lead. Anybody reading the Sunday Times two days ago would have been completely unaware that the Proteas’ first Test match against the West Indies starts on Thursday. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.