An exploration of selection criteria of club cricketers in the greater Cape Town area
Abstract
Since the advent of cricket in the 16th century the process of team selection has been fervently
debated. However, only a handful of research papers can be found on this topic. In South
Africa specifically, this process is further complicated by the country's apartheid past. This
current study is imperative in order to explore selection criteria used by cricket selectors and
coaches. A further aim of the current study is to explore cricket players' perceptions of which
factors they deem as important in their own selection. The study used a Symbolic
Internationalism (SI) theory as a theoretical framework. Purposive sampling was used to
select a sample of 10 participants consisting of players, coaches and selectors from various
cricketing institutions within the greater Cape-Town area. A qualitative approach was used to
conduct the study, including semi-structured individual interviews and data was analysed
using thematic analysis. This thematic analysis presented in two thematic categories, with
corresponding themes discussed accordingly. These thematic categories were "Selection
criteria that could be, or is used" and "What factors affect team selection". Participants
revealed several factors that affect the selection of the team ranging from player availability
to pitch conditions. In terms of Selection Criteria, the participants focused on the
physiological attributes of an ideal player, however also mentioned key psychological
attributes such as awareness, resilience, mental strength and adaptability. This research study
identified several elements which coaches should incorporate into their training schedules,
and that players can work on privately. Furthermore, this study seeks to contribute to the
limited knowledge base available with regard to Cricket Team Selection in South Africa. The
ethical principles adhered to in this study were informed confidentiality, anonymity,
voluntary participation and being informing participants of their right to withdraw from the
study at any point with no repercussions.