The United Cricket Board of South Africa today sacked national coach Eric Simons, in a move that The Indian Express first reported was imminent. In Simons’ place, former Test cricketer Ray Jennings — currently coach of the Safs’ ‘A’ team — was appointed, albeit on a temporary basis. Jennings will coach the team for the two-Test tour of India and the home series against England and West Indies, the UCB said in a release today. “The United Cricket Board of South Africa have reached a mutually acceptable agreement with national coach Eric Simons in which his contract will be terminated with immediate effect,” the release said. “We are fortunate to have a man of Ray’s experience to call on.” Manager Tim Southey’s contract has also been terminated and Goolam Rajah will replace him for the India tour. For the moment though, former cricketer and chief selector Omar Henry, whose place has also been under scrutiny for some time now, has not been removed. The release added that former opening batsman Gary Kirsten has also resigned as selector citing personal problems, and Joubert Strydom has been nominated in his place. Indications are that some more big names might be removed soon.
