South Africa sacks selection panel

New Delhi:

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Mickey Arthur from the post of national coach and began its process of complete system overhaul by sacking the national selection panel, which was headed by Mike Procter.

An interim selection panel, consisting of CSA Chief Executive Officer Gerald Majola, new interim coach Corrie van Zyl and former skipper Kepler Wessels has been formed.

The interim panel will be in place until the CSA Board meeting on February 19, where the national team structures will be finalised.

Majola addressed a media conference in East London and said Arthur's resignation was accepted with "regret".

"It is with much regret that the Board of Directors of Cricket South Africa has accepted Mickey Arthur's resignation as the Proteas' coach. His resignation came through the normal stock-taking process which followed the England home series and against the backdrop of the disappointing results of 2009.

"As this process unfolded and remedies were sought, Mickey expressed the very honest and humble view that he did not believe that at this stage he could continue as coach of the Proteas," Majola said in presence of Arthur, captain Greame Smith and Corrie.

Majola acknowledged Arthur's contribution in their team's stupendous success in the last season and expressed hope that his expertise could be utilised in some other way.

"The Board wishes to thank Mickey for his great contribution to the advancement of the Proteas to the point where in 2008/09 they had their best season ever and finished on top of the world Test and ODI rankings.

"They have slipped down both logs since then and CSA is determined to get them back to the top. We have accepted Mickey's view that a change at the coaching helm is needed.

"CSA is hopeful that Mickey will find a way to continue to work within our structures in another capacity because of his expertise and his passion for the game," Majola said.

While confirming Corrie's appointment as the new interim coach Majola hoped that former fast bowler would not take much time to adjust with the team.

"Corrie is familiar with the Proteas' culture and has always pursued excellence, both as a player and a coach. We are confident that the new management and the Proteas will go forward from here, as part of CSA's strategy to take the Proteas to the top and keep them there. This starts with the forthcoming tour to India," he said.