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Herschelle Gibbs' one-day wonders can lead South Africa to the 500 mark

The Proteas are out to smash their own world record after the Test series victory over the West Indies.

by Greg Smith on 16 January 2008

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Herschelle Gibbs: Record run chase (gettyimages.com)

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West Indian cricket is as carefree as calypso music from the Caribbean, with its big, risky hitters, arguably the prototype for the Twenty20 game. Images of lanky fast bowlers running in with a reggae backbeat and of dreadlocked batsmen sending cricket balls rocketing into orbit spring to mind when I consider the notion of calypso cricket.

Easy and carefree cricket, that's what it’s all about. No Test rigor, just pure, maverick flair. Now South Africa hosts the one-day internationals against the West Indies after coming back to win the Tests 2-1. The curtain-raiser for the five-match one-day series is a one-off Twenty20 showdown – so get ready for some electrifying action.

The South African spirit oozes out of this festival of cricket, with the likes of Herschelle Gibbs ensuring something sublime in this celebration of the game itself.

‘The South African spirit oozes out of this festival of cricket, with the likes of Herschelle Gibbs ensuring something sublime in this celebration of the game itself.’

South Africa are probably the best limited overs team in the world, with their unique blend of cavalier class. On the back of winning the Tests, the odds must be in their favour for the ODI matches, but the going will be not be a Caribbean cruise. The West Indians are world famous for their carefree big hitting and they will no doubt have days when it pays off. When it does, they could beat anyone. Pit this against South Africa's never-say-die attitude and we are in for scores around the 500 mark.

With 438 being a world record, proudly owned by South Africa already, the 500 mark doesn't seem too far away. The Proteas’ camp apparently has designs on ensuring that this series will provide that record and we all look forward to the spectacle this run-fest will provide.

I personally think 500 runs is a reasonable Proteas’ innings in ODI cricket, while current form could witness the West Indies collapse to a grand total of 500 for the five ODI's. And as a Proteas’ fan, I hope the former and the latter will be exactly the case, starting on Friday with the Twenty 20 in Johannesburg.

Comments (5)

by Glen Glod on January 16, 2008

This article is hopeful at best.The South African Team cannot score 500 runs in a 50 over game against the West Indies.In the Tests Windies paid the price for playing Rawl Lewis ahead of Pedro Collins,this will not happen in the shorter version of the game.I even feel that Windies can and will win the oneday series.This team is young and eager to show what is possible. GO Windies GO

by Partha Rajagopal on January 16, 2008

The real test for South Africa will come when they face the Australians. The Aussies have gone up a notch further in one day game. Under Ponting, they have become meticulous in their planning and execution. It will be tough to stand up to them and claim the world championship title in One day cricket on a consistent basis. Look at their record in one day world cup - one loss in three tournaments! And three championship titles. They came to India and outplayed the home team on their home ground. It is not easy to beat India in India in any form of the game. Ponting's side has changed for the better. You will know it when your team plays them.

by Brad on January 18, 2008

500 haha you africans are a simple lot. 99 03 07 world cups have been great for you lot it proves your not upto the task and your only claim to fame is 1 victory of the aussies. to be a champion team you need to beat everyone and for a number of years south africa have done neither they dont even have 11 quality players.

by Marsh on January 27, 2008

I have few issues with the contention that SA is the best one day side in the world at the moment. But leaving that aside there is something which puts that statement into context. Greg i assume youe south african. and by my assesment i have never found the outh africans to be ignorant.438 is no longerthe world record!! Cheers!!( I kid you not)double check your stats.

by phillip doffay on April 24, 2008

Herschelle Gibbs should be playing for the S.A squad he more experinced then most of the players they should give him another chance if he does well after a few matchs let him stay and if he does not give him a break ps I THINK HE,S THE BEST CRICKETER IN THE WORLD