Pat Symcox has been part of that over a number of years but at 37 this will be his last tour and further appearances in five-day cricket must be extremely doubtful. That leaves the door ajar for Paul Adams who has matured enormously since his Australian trip and is gaining in confidence in every outing. His

fielding prior to this trip was enthusiastic if hardly of international standard, but that has all changed and full credit should go to the coaching staff.

``Frog in blender'' and ``taking hub caps from cars on the move'' are two more colourful descriptions of an unusual but totally natural action. Coaching is very much part and

parcel of modern teams but on this occasion it would be an error to try and change anything about Adams's action. He just needs to work on his variety and that will include spinning the ball into the right-hander and using the crease on both sides of the wicket to use any footmarks made by the quicker bowlers.

Batsmen will always be confounded by his style. Players find it difficult to convince themselves that the ball will turn as much with his action and he does generate surprising pace with his cricket delivery - a real asset, especially against tail-enders. Adams would do well to remember that great spin is not always a recipe for success and he only needs subtle changes to be a real force for years to come.

There are only three ways to spin the ball from the back of the hand as per coaching manuals and this is all to do with the wrist. It either faces inwards directly at the batsman or outwards. Adams will know this and only to make slight modifications to ensure that this is possible within his own style. His control has improved immeasurably and he works well with his captain, who is always conscious of setting attacking fields while also affording protection for the inevitable bad ball which comes with his action.

South Africa potentially have a new champion in a style of bowling that has not been a strong point for two decades. The spin department has nearly always been bare, but it will be a real challenge for all in South African cricket to ensure Adams becomes a role model.