JOHANNESBURG - At a press conference in Johannesburg the Managing Director of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, Dr Ali Bacher released the following:

1. Bob Woolmer has concluded a new contract with the UCBSA covering his duties (as listed) during the South African summer.

   1.1 Assist in the training of players on the peripheral of Provincial and National squads along with the players provincial coaches,

   1.2. Assist in the coaching of players loosing their places in the National squad,

   1.3. Fast tracking development and identified players to International status. For this 3 training camps are to be scheduled, the first being in Durban from 6 to 10 September. Graham Ford and Hansie Cronje will be involved with these camps,

   1.4. Attend the national u13, u15 and u19 cricket weeks to identify talent,

   1.5. Spend time with junior and senior coaches to impart his knowledge to them,

   1.6. Report to the Managing Director of the UCBSA.

2. The chairman, vice-chairman and secretary of the Transformation Council, the Executive Council of the UCBSA, National Selectors and players will meet before the 1st test against Zimbabwe in October to discuss the future of South African cricket.

3. Shaun Pollock and Daryll Cullinan (Silver award) and Jacques Kallis and Lance Klusener (Gold Award) have been nominated as candidates for 1998-99 South African Sports Awards.

4. The National team will play two first class matches and three test matches on their tour of India in February and March 2000 before playing a one-day triangular tournament with India and Pakistan late March 2000.

5. The one-day international match between England and Zimbabwe on the 28th January 2000 has for financial reasons been moved from Paarl to Newlands in Cape Town.

6. The National squad selection policy should be:

   6.1 One based on ability and colour.

   6.2 Where the opportunity exists, black and white peripheral players will be given the chance to join the National squad on their tours and on the field.

7. The International Cricket Council has singled out the tournament in Kenya between the host nation, Zimbabwe, India and South Africa as a cricket development drive. Dr Bacher will also be attending to observe playing conditions and facilities with the eye on the 2003 World Cup in Africa. Alan Donald (rest) and Gary Kirsten (marriage) will not be taking part in this tournament.

8. The contracted South African players will not be taking part in the planned exhibition matches between a World XI and an Asian XI in Northern America later in 1999.