A disappointed Barend Prins looks back at South Africa's elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy — was it just a repeat performance from cricket's ultimate chokers? Or were there other factors at play?

I guess I should be used to it by now.

No, not the Proteas crashing out of another major tournament (fair enough, maybe that as well), but the completely over-the-top reaction from the press and the general public after the disappointment of Sunday night's 22-run loss to England.

It is completely understandable to be peeved at the result, what kind of supporter would you be if you are not?

After all, who wants to support a losing team? And yes, its even worse getting knocked out by the darned English...

Obviously, and understandably so, everybody wants answers as to why the Proteas lost, and as is the nature of the 24-hour-access-to-news-society we are living in, the first reactionary response is to call for the head of the captain and the coach.

Personally, I believe it is folly, no absolute madness to even be contemplating replacing either Smith or Arthur at the moment.

It wasn't too long ago that just about every member of the press, large portions of the viewing public as well as officials from Cricket South Africa — including President Gerald Majola — as well as other factions in the organisation hailed the current team as one of, if not the best Proteas side ever after what was widely called their best season ever.

So what has changed since then?

The answer is absolutely nothing. It is still the same team, with the same strengths and weaknesses, three games into its next season.

But then why did we lose? That is the question that has been asked by all and sundry; including Gerald Majola, who commented afterwards: "I will be speaking to Mickey and the team management to find out what went wrong."

Well, for starters, it was blatantly obvious to everyone that the team was horribly short of decent match practice. Considering that every team in the competition — barring the Proteas — played a one-day series before the Champions trophy started, it should come as no surprise.

Before taking on Sri Lanka in the competition opener, the warm-up game against the obviously under-strength West Indian outfit was the only 'official' 50-over match the Proteas had played since the last of their ODIs against Australia in April.

Does it come as that much of a surprise that the Proteas seemed somewhat lethargic then? Is it Smith's or Arthur's responsibility to schedule matches? Or should that question be laid at Majola's door then?

On page two, Barend looks back at previous seasons to find out how the Proteas should, or could, have prepared...


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