Bacher backs blacks for South Africa (27 July 1999)

27 July 1999

Bacher backs blacks for South Africa

The Electronic Telegraph

South african cricket chief Dr Ali Bacher yesterday pledged to select black players for the national team whenever possible following accusations about its "racial" make-up.

He said fringe players would be included in the squad at every opportunity. "The policy remains that the national team should be a team of colour," Bacher said.

He explained that in the case of a one-day series in which South Africa had already qualified for the final, any remaining round-robin games should be used to blood new talent.

The make-up of the team who trounced West Indies earlier this year was heavily criticised by politicians for being virtually all white.

Bacher also revealed that former national coach Bob Woolmer will be coaching players on the fringe of the national squad.

Nottinghamshire opener Tim Robinson, the oldest player in county cricket, is to retire at the end of this season. Robinson, 40, made 29 Test appearances for England and has scored 24,335 first-class runs.

Pakistan's new cricket organiser, Mujeebur Rehman, yesterday urged 12 members of the national squad, including vice-captain Moin Khan, Saeed Nwar and Shahid Afridi, to follow a strict code of conduct.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)