RSA in NZ - Sidelights (2 March 1999)

2 March 1999

RSA in NZ - Sidelights

The Christchurch Press

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's veteran off-spinner Pat Symcox has landed in hot water for allegedly misbehaving on a flight home from New Zealand via Australia last week.

South African Airways and the United Cricket Board of South Africa are conducting separate inquiries into allegations that Symcox, 38, was rude and aggressive to flight staff.

Flight manager Bossie Bossert alleged that Symcox and a woman sitting next to him had made a racket on the flight, causing other passengers to complain. Later, when Bossert was ordered to stop serving the pair drinks, Symcox became "very aggressive and used abusive language," he said.

Symcox, who was returning home after playing in one-day internationals, has denied the allegations, saying he only had one glass of wine.

Injured New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming should decide tomorrow if he is fit for Canterbury's next Shell Trophy match, which starts on Friday.

Fleming has to play the game against Otago at QEII Park to have any chance of being considered for the second test in Christchurch, from March 11-15. The area around the adductor tendon was "still pretty tender".

"It's still been quite painful. Turning when running is a problem, the straight line stuff isn't too bad."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)