JOHANNESBURG, March 8: Former South Africa Test player Pat Symcox on Saturday resigned as a national team selector, the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) announced.

In a letter to the UCBSA, Symcox said his decision was made due to a conflict of interests between his position as a selector and his position as a TV commentator and journalist.

“Symmo has played a huge role on the selection panel and he still has a lot to contribute and give to South African cricket. I will miss him,” said Omar Henry, the national selection convenor.

Symcox’s resignation came just a few hours after fast bowler Allan Donald decided to quit international cricket following South Africa’s failure to qualify for the Super Six of the World Cup.

Henry denied that Symcox was forced to resign because he had made critical remarks about the national team.

“I didn’t ask him to leave at all. I’m disappointed to see him go. It’s sad to lose someone like that,” Henry told the SAPA news agency.

Symcox caused considerable ruptions here when he described the South African bowling attack as the worst in 40 years while, last week, he was quoted as likening South Africa’s bungled run chase at a wet Kingsmead to the “goon show”.

It was at the Durban venue where South Africa where knocked out after a rain-affected tie with Sri Lanka.—AFP