Neil Manthorp

Cape Town

Columnist at Business Live

Talk and write about cricket,golf and most sports. Executive Coach. Cook for the family when at home.

Articles

Glorious Headingly, Once Again

1 week ago | open.substack.com | Neil Manthorp

The audience at Headingley held its collective breath when new Indian captain, Shubman Gill, was asked whether he would prefer to win the five-Test series against England or the IPL: there were many who genuinely didn’t know how he would answer. Those who knew that he would prefer to win in England wondered whether he might be diplomatic, careful not to step on sensitive IPL toes. Not for a second did he pause or even consider his words:“Win this series,” he said, unflinchingly.
NEIL MANTHORP: When we play the so-called Big Three, we’ll perform - Conrad

1 week ago | businesslive.co.za | Neil Manthorp

Let us stop talking about agriculture as something we are trying to save, and start talking about it as the thing that can save us
Let the WTC Rabada Party Continue...

1 week ago | open.substack.com | Neil Manthorp

The party may be over but this is no time to start clearing up. There are still glasses on the table with champagne in them and every drop of satisfaction and celebration must be inhaled. The time for analysis of South Africa’s ‘World Test Champions’ status can come later, although it has already started in earnest amongst those the neutrals. The dramatic and emotional five-wicket victory against Australia will be remembered, as most sports contests are, for what happened at the end.
The After-Party Braai...dust not settling

1 week ago | mannersoncricket.substack.com | Neil Manthorp

The dust won’t settle for a while after South Africa’s World Test Championship triumph, and neither should it. If the players have a few extra days to bask in the reflected glory of the success it would be almost irresponsible not to take it. Thing is, supporters glean as much enjoyment from seeing their champions in the aftermath of success as they do in the moment. They can’t relate to what Rabada, Markram and Bavuma did on the field, but they can assimilate with joy.
Coach Conrad lauds 'spectacle' of test World Championship

1 week ago | supersport.com | Neil Manthorp

Shukri Conrad © Gallo ImagesShukri Conrad was appointed Proteas test coach just in time for the start of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle and made a less than promising start – not that it had anything to do with him. Now, 18 months later, his team are test Champions of the world following their thrilling five-wicket victory against defending champions, Australia, at Lord’s on Saturday.
Real Sports Stars Cry, on and off the Field

1 week ago | mannersoncricket.substack.com | Neil Manthorp

It’s one thing, and a good thing, for a professional sports stars to cry publicly during moments of extreme triumph, but quite another for them to make no attempt to disguise or hide the tears, not even a wipe. Keshav Maharaj wore his emotions like a wedding suit, with a combination of duty and pride. His controlled sobbing during a post-match interview with Graeme Smith may be the last of many memories during an extraordinary contest, and occasion, to fade.
WTC Final: Player-of-the-match Aiden Markram on winning, banter and a chebeer...

2 weeks ago | supersport.com | Neil Manthorp

Q: Half-volley to start, Aiden - maybe you just closed your eyes and it happened - but how did you sleep last night? (On 102* with 69 runs still required)AM: Horribly to be honest. I tried to take a sleeping tablet, it didn't work. The mind just couldn't switch off. But fortunately, today wasn't ever going to be a full day, so I knew either way it would be fine. But yeah, didn't sleep too well. Q: There were a few tears when you reached your century last night…AM: Yeah, it was weird.
WTC Final: Humble Bavuma hopes there's more test glory to come

2 weeks ago | supersport.com | Neil Manthorp

cricket14 June 2025 16:04| © MWPBy:Neil Manthorp Share Temba Bavuma © Gallo ImagesSouth African captain Temba Bavuma described his team’s emotional five-wicket victory against Australia in the final of the World Test Championship at Lord’s on Saturday as a “…massive, massive trophy” for him, the team and the country. “The senior players, Aiden, myself, KG and Kesh, this connects us, this is what we've always wanted to do.
WTC Final: "South Africa are worthy champions" - Pat Cummins

2 weeks ago | supersport.com | Neil Manthorp

cricket14 June 2025 15:04| © MWPBy:Neil Manthorp ShareTemba Bavuma © Gallo ImagesIt is easy to be magnanimous in victory – less so in defeat – but Australian captain, Pat Cummins, gave due credit to opposite number Temba Bavuma and man-of-the-match Aiden Markram after South Africa completed a hard-fought, emotional five-wicket victory in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Saturday. “I thought the way he (Bavuma) played was fantastic.
VICTORY: Bavuma, Markram lead Proteas to Test glory

2 weeks ago | supersport.com | Neil Manthorp

cricket14 June 2025 12:04| © MWPBy:Neil Manthorp ShareSouth Africa became Test Champions of the world with a hard-fought and emotional five-wicket victory against Australia on the fourth morning of the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s on Saturday.