Shastri to help South Africans with media management

Yet to win a Test series in England since their return to international cricket, the South African team is going all out to ensure that they break this jinx. The latest initiative is the hiring of Ravi Shastri to help the South Africans deal with the English media. Shastri, a respected commentator and media personality, will arrive in South Africa later this week to conduct a one-day session with the team.

Graeme Smith, South Africa's 22-year-old captain, spelt out the reasons for hiring Shastri. Speaking to Beeld, an Africaans daily, Smith said: "We are fully aware of the poison pens that are being readied ahead of our arrival [in England]. That's why we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we are thoroughly prepared for what awaits us. We know we're not going there as favourites. It's not a coincidence that we haven't been able to win a series there since we were re-admitted in the international cricket.

"Ravi can guide us from a player's point of view, as well as from a media point of view about what we can expect there. We know that it's going to be tough and that there will be huge pressures on us, but we want to prepare in a way that will enable us to handle them."

Smith said that Shastri's guidance could also help in improving relations between the South African media and the team. The South African squad received plenty of flak for the World Cup debacle, when they failed to qualify for the Super Six.

Meanwhile, the South African board (UCBSA) has decided to terminate its contract with Goolam Raja, the team manager, after the tour of England. Raja was manager of the team for the last decade. Though recognised as an excellent organiser, Raja, apparently, wasn't firm enough in dealing with the players. This decision is seen as another step by Smith, coach Eric Simons, and the selectors in their attempt to rebuild the South African team.