FORMER South Africa off-spinner Pat Symcox announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Friday. “The time has come to move on,” said Symcox, 39, who played 20 tests and 80 one-day internationals for his country. He made his first-class debut for Griqualand West in 1977-78 and was their captain this season. “My form for Griquas hasn’t been great, and it’s been tough travelling from Durban to Kimberley, he said. “I’d love to stay involved in cricket in a coaching capacity, although I’ve had no approaches yet.” Symcox sprang a surprise when he retired from the international arena last year despite being a virtual certainty for South Africa’s World Cup squad. He made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 1993-94 and his farewell appearance against the West Indies in Durban in December 1998.