JOHANNESBURG, May 27: Gary Kirsten, South Africa's most prolific batsman, will begin a fulltime job as national High Performance Manager for the United Cricket Board two months after his retirement from the international game after a career spanning 101 Test matches.

Famed for his discipline and concentration, Kirsten scored 7,289 runs at an average of 45.27. He scored 21 centuries and 34 50s in an 11-year-career. Kirsten was confirmed in his new role following a UCB executive Board meeting on Wednesday in which it was decided that the 36-year-old will also sit on a streamlined selection panel comprising national coach Eric Simons, convenor Omar Henry and one independent member yet to be selected from the country's recently formed six professional franchises. -Reuters