Herschelle Gibbs

On 12th, March 2006, Herschelle Gibbs played one of one day cricket's greatest innings. A majestic 175 from 111 balls gave South Africa a solid platform from which to attack Australia's total of 434.

Just one month later, on 22nd April, Gibbs was dropped from South Africa's Test team.

Admittedly, it was always going to happen to this constant underperformer, as an average of 25.70 from his last 10 Tests shows. Moreover, it has been the way he has been dismissed in recent times that suggested that a break was imminent. In his last 17 Test innings, he has been bowled 10 times, which is simply not good enough for a top order batsman.

For the first time since 2003/04, the 32 year old's Test average - which had been pushing 50 at one stage - slipped below 45. One wonders if Gibbs will get another chance to push up his average back to 50, which is where it should be for someone of his talent.

For that to happen, someone else in South Africa's batting line up has to falter. Given that only Graeme Smith, the captain, has gone through a rougher patch, it seems unlikely. At this current moment, the bearded Hashim Amla - Gibb's replacement - is sitting pretty on 50 not out against New Zealand.

Herschelle Gibbs' path back to South Africa's Test team looks difficult at the moment, but for his sake and South Africa's sake, I hope he can force his way back in through weight of runs, as he is one of the most breathtaking batsmen to watch in world cricket, in full flow.