South Africa's cricket authorities have appointed the former one-day international player Eric Simons as the new national coach, following the sacking of Graham Ford after successive defeats to Australia this season. Simons, 40, will start his job on July 1, said Bronwyn Wilkinson, the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) spokeswoman, in a statement, which added that Simons has had a "solid record coaching Western Province" over the last two seasons.

Australia beat South Africa conclusively in home-and-away Test series recently, with the first five matches going to the Aussies and the South Africans gaining a consolation win in the final Test at Durban in March. South Africa then lost five of seven one-day internationals against Australia, the world champions in both forms of the game.

The losses prompted Ford's sacking on June 1. He was criticised for the team's lack of disclipine, though he maintained he was made the scapegoat for the failings of South Africa's cricket authorities.

Shortly after the announcement, Simons said he believed his one-day experience - he played 23 matches for South Africa and 123 games for Northern Transvaal - would help his coaching. "I think it helps to have played at a high level," he told reporters. "Whether it be first-class or Tests."

But Simons added: "Having coached for a few seasons I realise that a good cricketer won't necessarily make a good coach. What he needs are people skills, where he can bring out the best qualities in his players.

"If I didn't think I could do the job, I would never have allowed Western Province to nominate me."

Shaun Pollock retains the captaincy as South Africa go into their preparations for the next World Cup, due to be played on their home turf in February and March next year. WIlkinson explained: "He [Pollock] will work closely with Simons to help develop strategies both on and off the field."

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