Ryan Rickelton in action for the Proteas. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Rickelton’s Proteas absence explained … in his own words
Ryan Rickelton has explained what went on behind the scenes after he was omitted from the Proteas squad due to a so-called ‘serious injury’.
Ryan Rickelton in action for the Proteas. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
On Sunday, the Proteas suffered a heavy six-wicket loss against Australia, with a brittle batting lineup once again being exposed. It has understandably led to questions over the absence of a player like Ryan Rickelton, who has been in sensational domestic form back in South Africa.
When the 16-man Proteas squad was announced last month, CSA said an ankle injury had ruled Rickelton out of contention. However, it was also strangely stated that he could continue to play domestic cricket for the Lions.
Rickelton has done just that, and in some style, scoring 15, 100*, 108* and 17 in the 4-Day Series and 126, 99 and 110 in the One-Day Cup at a time when the Proteas seemingly believed he wasn’t fit enough to tour.
BREAKING: PROTEAS – 99 ALL OUT – SUFFER WOEFUL DEFEAT
In an interview with Rapport newspaper, the 26-year-old has now described how a conversation with CSA convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang revealed what was ultimately a clear difference of opinion.
“I was surprised that I wasn’t going to Australia [with the Proteas],” Rickelton told Rapport newspaper. “[The selectors] usually call you a day or two before the time to say you’re in or you’re out.
“I was at the golf course at Sun City on the Sunday and Victor called me. He said I am in the squad and the plan is for me to go [to Australia], but there is a medical cross next to my name. I told him I can play, I have a plan in place. There was little communication between the doctors and Vic, and he didn’t know what was going on.
“Vic said he would call me back, he was just going to talk to Dr Shuaib Manjra [CSA’s chief medical officer]. I waited between half an hour and 45 minutes, and when I didn’t hear anything, I called Dr Manjra. I asked why they were stopping me from going, as I have a plan that my surgeon approved. Dr Manjra said I can’t go with [the team].
“After that, I called Vic and basically begged him: ‘Vic, please, I need someone to stand up for me.’ But nobody did. The communication … it was a day before the time, and no one spoke to me before that. It wasn’t a good situation, and I had three hours to try to sort it out, but the doctor didn’t want to know anything.”
Rickelton is one of several players who have spoken out
In another article, Rapport newspaper also spoke to several players and other role players in South African cricket who criticised Mpitsang for his poor communication, while also specifically asking for honesty when a player is not selected because of transformation targets.
A current Proteas player also suggested that the reasons the selectors give for their choices “have left a lot to be desired for quite some time”.
“The whole Rickelton situation is a very good example,” he said. “They lost the trust of most local players and players on the fringe of the national team a long time ago.”
