South African selection chief Omar Henry denied on Saturday that Pat Symcox was forced to resign from the national selection panel. Symcox, who has reportedly made a few impolitic remarks of late, announced his resignation after it was accepted by the United Cricket Board of South Africa.
”I didn’t ask him to leave at all,” responded Henry. ”I’m disappointed to see him go. It’s sad to lose someone like that.
”Pat was very good as a selector and I thought we complemented each over very well.”
Henry added that Symcox resigned because he was finding it increasingly difficult to balance his role as a national selector with that of being a television commentator and columnist.
After South Africa was dumped from the World Cup in the first round, it was inevitable that certain heads would roll. It is doubtful, however, that the departure of Symcox will be the last.
Symcox caused considerable embarrassment when he described the South African bowling attack as the worst in 40 years. This past week, he was quoted as likening South Africa’s bungled run chase at a wet Kingsmead to the ”goon show”.
Symcox, who scored a Test hundred batting at No 10 against Pakistan, was employed as a selector after the national coach and selection panel were replaced following the crushing losses to Australia last summer.
His departure reduces the current panel to four. ”We haven’t decided on a replacement yet,” added Henry. ”That will probably be decided when the National Cricket Committee and the UCB meet on the 27th.” – Sapa