Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
THE_axe now hangs over some of South Africa's senior players after their disastrous one-day campaign in England.
All the euphoria of a fine Test series victory has been overshadowed by the performances of the one-day side. The critics have sharpened their knives while the selectors their axe.
Mass sackings do not offer remedies. In South Africa's case, it is even more relevant as, due to a variety of reasons, there is not enough talent available to replace the old guard.
One example is hastily pensioning off one of the greatest all-rounders of all time - Shaun Pollock. The South Africans were confident that their new breed of fast bowlers would do the job instead of an ageing hero.
Captain Graeme Smith must have rued every time he saw Pollock in the commentator's box instead of being by his side.
The accuracy of Pollock was certainly missed. Despite losing his speed, Pollock exerted pressure by cramping the batsman with his immaculate line and length stuff.
Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel may have intimidated batsmen in the Test matches with their speed and bounce. But in the one-dayers they made the cardinal mistake of not finding their radar.
Such was the lack of direction that wicketkeeper Mark Boucher could have easily qualified for a job in the circus as a contortionist. A resurgent England side lapped up the kind offerings and made merry.
So where do South Africa go from here? Most of the promising players who are still available have been tried but have failed to deliver consistently.
Some of the country's better players are plying their trade in English county cricket under Kolpak contracts. Jacques Rudolph, Martin van Jaarsveld, Ryan McLaren and Dillon du Preez have been doing well enough in England but cannot play for their country due to Kolpak.
J P Duminy had an extended run in England but still has a long way to go before he can be assured of a permanent place.
South Africa must also look beyond Justin Ontong, who roars like a lion on the domestic circuit but has proved to be a lame duck on the international stage.
A major problem for South Africa has been the poor run of form of their premier batsman Jacques Kallis. His solid batting has been the key to South Africa's success for a long time now.
But dropping Kallis would be catastrophic. He has the class and is sure to bounce back. A short rest would do him good at this stage.
Makhaya Ntini and Boucher will be the prime candidates for the chop. Ntini has been struggling in both forms of cricket and the end may well be nigh.
Boucher's work both behind and in front of the stumps is deteriorating. He needs to come up with something extraordinary to keep his place.
South Africa must not despair. They need to refocus, recharge and rekindle the desire to be on top again. Keeping the axe in the closet would be a good way to start.
