Symcox and Rhodes ponder test future

Both see the 1998 tour as a way to get their stalled Test playing days ``up and running'' as Symcox, at 38 the grandfather in the side said the Wanderers yesterday.

Most of the team and management attended a Bakers mini cricket announcement which has seen the sponsorship jump from R5-million to R10-miilion over the next three years.

The South African side, which arrived in England today, start their tour with a three-day game against Worcestershire, at New Road, in Sir Edward Elgar country, Worcester on Thursday.

``Look at 38 it is not a question of thinking too far ahead,'' Symcox said when asked about his future goals. ``In fact at this age you only think about the next day, not the next week or the next month and hope you are still capable of contributing.''

Although rated by Peter Pollock's selection panel as an important component in the side Symcox was wary of comparisons and how he had improved with age over the last four years. He had missed four home tests this past season after scoring that first test century at the Wanderers against Pakistan.

He lost out in the second and third Tests against Pakistan and the two against Sri Lanka.

``Sure I'd like to play in the tests in England, and I may get that opportunity, but I am not thinking too far ahead,'' he admitted. ``We play Worcester and then a couplre of limited-overs games, perhaps we'll have an idea of where we are going by then and what my role could be.''

He felt the strength of South Africa's pace attack may have persuaded the ECB not to schedule a test at The Oval, although in the last couple of years the perception of The Oval being a quick bowler's paradise may have been over emphasised.

``It is quite significant we are not playing the fifth test against England there,'' he said.

While he is more confident about his role as an international limited-overs player, he coverts the Test match position far more, especially as he did not play a test on the 1994 tour. In fact the only spin utilised by Kepler Wessels was two overs by Gary Kirsten.

``I know I am good enough to play tests again, but we'll have to wait and see what the tour selectors think,'' he added.

``Yet it is not so much about how good you are as a player but how quickly you can adapt your technique to local conditions, which comes from the experience you have of touring.''

Along with Rhodes, Symcox urged South Africans not to underrate Engalnd, especially with the new captain, Alec Stewart, known for his tough roles. At home, and up front, they are not going to be easy to beat.

Rhodes happy to make the touring party, felt although much depended on his battle for sixth spot in the batting order with all-rounder Brian McMillan, he had a role to play in a test side.

``I know I can make a contribution to the side. but my focus has not changed and I think that as a 28-year-old, I am now at my best as a player.

``When you look at the tour party, and if they select six batsmen for the Tests, you will see that I shall be vying with Brian (McMillan) for that sixth spot,'' he added, showing he is under no illusions of where he stands in the make up of the side.

Symcox only joins the team in Worcester on Wednesday as he flew back to Durban to host his benefit banquet which had his old friend, Fanie de Villiers as MC and one of the guest speakers.

According to Hansie Cronje, the banquet had better bring in a packet as ``his absence from the team could cost him a few hundred a day.''

But as Cronje was only half-smiling when he made the comment just how serious he is about the fine is another matter. Cronje is known, at the best of times, to be a prankster when the mood takes him.

Trevor Chesterfield Cricket writer Pretoria News

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