Hansie diplomatic missionary (2 November 1998)

2 November 1998

Hansie diplomatic missionary

Trevor Chesterfield

CENTURION (South Africa) Hansie Cronje diplomatically side stepped the thorny issue of South Africa players contracts with the United Cricket Board yesterday when he said that negotiations were "never a problem".

Arriving back holding the gold plated ICC Cup won in Dhaka on Sunday where South Africa beat the West Indies in the final of the mini World Cup event, he said the "talks don't usually last long and any problems we have are quickly sorted out".

But he admitted surprise about the West Indies pay dispute and had only heard about it when he and the side had arrived back yesterday. "You know, we actually had lunch with them on Monday, the day after the final and there was absolutely no mention of any problems," he said.

"Personally I think it will all be sorted out and the tour, I am pretty sure, will go ahead on schedule."

He said the South Africa side was confronted with a similar situation at the start of their tour of Australia last season, but the dispute between the Australian board and the players was amicably settled.

"Naturally we would prefer to play a full strength West Indian side, but whatever happens we have got to remain focused on what we are doing and not allow ourselves to be side tracked by what's happening in their camp," he added.

Cronje was more than pleased at how the South Africans adjusted to the conditions in Dhaka. Dale Benkenstein, Nicky Boje, Derek Crookes and Mike Rindel, a late inclusion had "all performed well and their presence in the wings was good for the long-term.

He threw in a word of caution, however, when he said that "one must realise that there is a huge difference between one-day and test games."

Cronje was seemed cheered by the news that Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener who missed the Wills Cup should be fit for the first test at the Wanderers.

"I really would like to start on November 26 with a full strength side," he added."

Source :: Trevor Chesterfield, Pretoria News