CSA boss Majola lambasts Proteas for ''inconsistent'' show

Johannesburg, Apr 26 (UNI) Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief Gerald Majola today slammed South African cricketers for their inconsistent show in the cricket World Cup and said urgent remedial measures will have to be found out.

In a hard-hitting statement issued at St Lucia, Mr Majola said, ''The Proteas' performance against Australia in the semi-final yesterday was disappointing to say the least.'' He also said CSA is taking help from India and Pakistan to groom world class spinners.

''The match, and the tournament as a whole, has exposed weaknesses in the Proteas squad which will be addressed as a matter of urgency.

''We have to find a way of taking this consistency into tournaments because this World Cup has shown an alarming inconsistency in the performances by the Proteas,'' he said.

Mr Majola lamented that inspite of giving top class facility and support satff over the past two years in preparation for this World Cup, the performance of the Proteas was left much to be desired.

''So against this preparation and support background, we have to find out why they were so inconsistent and put remedial measures in place.

''Other general weaknesses facing South African cricket lie with mental strength, swing and spin bowling. We are dealing with these issues at the Standard Bank High Performance Centre,'' the statement added.

The CSA chief said the boards of Pakistan and India have agreed to an academy exchange programme under which spinners and batsmen from South Africa would be sent to the Sub-Continent for specialist coaching on slow bowling and to learn to play spin in those conditions.

''Pakistan and India will then be able to use their bowlers and batsmen to train in our quicker conditions,'' Majola added.

He also congratulated Australia and Sri Lanka on their earning places for the summit clash on Saturday.

''Australia and Sri Lanka are worthy finalists and Cricket South Africa congratulates them on reaching the final.'' UNI