 Gibbs knows he must find form if South Africa are to start winning |
South African opener Herschelle Gibbs says he is working hard at getting back into form for the Champions Trophy.
The opener has had a poor run as South Africa have lost 10 one-day internationals on the trot.
"I think I've gone to look for balls to play and maybe my shot selection hasn't been that good," he told BBC Sport.
"I've had a good look at myself and analysed the last year's happenings. Maybe I haven't taken enough responsibility for my wicket."
On his day there is no doubt that Gibbs is one of the most dazzling talents in world cricket.
In 154 one-day internationals he has scored 4, 815 runs at an average of 33.90, with a strike rate of 81.27.
He also has 12 hundreds but has not reached three figures since his 143 against New Zealand at the World Cup in February 2003.
Since an unbeaten 93 against Zimbabwe in Cardiff in July 2003, Gibbs has passed 50 just once in 22 innings, and his poor form has mirrored an appalling run by South Africa.
Despite having a powerful side on paper they have managed to lose their last 10 matches on the trot.
Gibbs says that he has to take a share of the responsibility for the poor run.
"You've got to look at the core of the team," he said. "If there is a problem you always look at the experienced players.
"I can only speak for my own performance and I haven't performed very well over the past year or so.
"I've got to get things going up front and set the platform for the innings."
An instinctive player by nature, Gibbs has nevertheless taken time to analyse why he has been failing to score big runs.
"If I think of the hundreds I've scored I've really just gone about the beginning part of my innings with normal cricket," he said.
"I always picked up the momentum later on in the innings."
And despite his poor run Gibbs is adamant that it is not because he is not fully committed to the South African cause.
"Playing international cricket is a huge privilege and the hunger has always been there," he said.
"I've maybe just confused myself a little bit, but I think I've sorted out my approach now."
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I've maybe just confused myself a little bit but I think I've sorted out my approach now 
