Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi.

Image: BackpagePix

COMMENT

It seems South African cricket supporters always need someone to hate. For years, Temba Bavuma was the target of vicious social media attacks, with criticism of his performances frequently spilling into racist abuse.

Now, Tony de Zorzi appears to have inherited the unenviable position of social media's latest Proteas villain. The question is not whether these players should be criticised – they should – but why criticism so often descends into something far more personal and sinister.

The fact that they happen to be the country's premier Black African batters cannot be a mere coincidence.

De Zorzi has once again found himself on the receiving end of unflattering commentary following his inclusion in the Proteas squad for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series.

For God's sake, how can David Bedingham be dropped? And how are they preferring Tony de Zorzi over him? Bedingham has been fairly consistent since 2023. Yes, he showed a pattern in his dismissals during the series against Australia, but he is an attacking batter, and attacking batters will sometimes get out in similar ways. That is the price of the way he plays, and it is a price worth paying. If I have to choose between Bedingham and de Zorzi, I will pick Bedingham every single time

— Caught At Silly Point (@atsillypoint) November 2, 2026

It is easily forgotten that he missed the recent Australian series through injury, having averaged just under 40 in Test cricket this year. The last time he faced Bangladesh, he also struck his career-best 177.

I will be the first to admit that I was surprised to see his Western Province teammate David Bedingham dropped, particularly after being asked to perform a new role at No 3 against Australia. His dismissals at Newlands left plenty to be desired, but there was perhaps still room for him to grow into the position.

The bigger question, however, was whether Matthew Breetzke had done enough, apart from his 43 in the second innings in Cape Town, to retain his middle-order place after being called up midway through the Australian series.

That is a legitimate selection debate. What is not legitimate is turning disagreement over a player's inclusion into personal attacks.

Tony de Zorzi grinds his way to a third Test fifty 💪 📺 Stream #PAKvSA on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw #SSCricket https://t.co/c25IOJrhYk

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 13, 2025

De Zorzi's situation brings back uncomfortable memories of the treatment Bavuma endured during the early stages of his international career.

The Langa-born batter was repeatedly subjected to criticism that went well beyond his performances. Whenever he failed, his selection was questioned. Whenever he experienced a lean spell, the transformation debate resurfaced, often accompanied by unmistakable racial undertones.

Rather than simply being judged as a cricketer, Bavuma was repeatedly made to defend his right to wear the green and gold.

He has spoken about the psychological toll of the abuse, telling the BBC in 2025: "I'd love to understand why it becomes a lot more viral when it's just me."

Those words should give sections of the cricket public plenty to think about.

Tony de Zorzi cooking is in Lahore 👨‍🍳 He grinds to his second Test century 🇿🇦 📺 Stream #PAKvSA on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw #SSCricket https://t.co/29nEUBvkwm

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 14, 2025

De Zorzi is a talented cricketer who has worked hard to earn his place. He averaged above 48 in three of the four seasons before his maiden Test call-up and owns a first-class best of 304 not out, still the highest individual score in Newlands history.

Like every international player, he will have good days and bad days. His performances are open to scrutiny, but that does not give anyone licence to humiliate or vilify him.

His experience as captain of South Africa's Under-19 side at the 2016 World Cup also exposed him to criticism and abuse, contributing to his reticence towards the media.

Why should any player have to develop a thick skin simply to protect himself from the nastiness that comes with representing his country?

Supporters are entitled to question selection, demand better performances and express disappointment. That comes with professional sport. But there is a clear distinction between holding players accountable and subjecting them to personal attacks or racial prejudice.

Bavuma has endured more than his fair share. Becoming South Africa's first black African Test centurion and leading the country to the World Test Championship title have not entirely silenced his critics.

It would be a sad indictment of our cricket culture if De Zorzi is now forced to endure a similar cycle of hostility.

The question is not whether De Zorzi deserves criticism. Every player does. It is whether we have become so accustomed to online hatred that we no longer recognise when criticism crosses the line.

Bavuma has already endured it. De Zorzi should not have to become the next example.