NEWS
OPINION
GALLERY
STATISTICS
INTERVIEWS

Bye bye, Bob Woolmer

Bob Woolmer ended his five-year reign as coach of South Africa's Test team today but believes the country is in good hands.

Woolmer, the former England Test batsmen who took over the South African coaching job after a player rebellion against Mike Proctor in 1994, has turned the Proteas into one of the top two Test teams in world cricket, alongside australia.

His influence has also made the Proteas the most innovative one day team since its return to international cricket, and he will bow out after the World Cup tournament starting May.

"I can say modestly, that I leave South African cricket in reasonable hands,'' Woolmer said today.

Skipper Hansie Cronje said Woolmer had helped the batting side of South Africa's game mature.

Woolmer, who emigrated to S'Africa in 1982, said he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the team.

"The players have finished it with a 6-0 record,'' Woolmer said of the wins over the West Indies and New Zealand."

"I've learnt a lot. Hopefully I've managed to pass on some of my knowledge to them.''

AP