Cold water poured on Wessels’ plans

Press, 19 February 1987, Page 40

Cold water poured on Wessels’ plans

NZPA-AAP Sydney The Australian Cricket Board has been quick to pour cold water on speculation that its former test batsman, Kepler Wessels, could be back in the Australian team before the end of the year. The South- African-born Wessels is reported to be contemplating returning to Australia — with possibly an immediate recall to the Australian side.

But the A.C.8., yesterday was swift to reply, its chairman, Malcolm Gray, saying that last season Wessels was offered a long-term board contract. “Wessels elected not to take it up and instead returned to live in his native South Africa,” Mr Gray said. The South African Cricket Union had requested Wessels be allowed to play in the recent rebel tour.

“In Wessels’ particular circumstances, the board agreed to this request," Mr Gray said. "The ACB now has no interest in what W.essels’ future plans may be.”

As far as the the other 16 rebel players were concerned, the A.C.B. had no comment other than to say the players were banned from Sheffield Shield cricket until October 1, 1987, and from test and international cricket until October 1, 1988, said Mr Gray. “Any speculation before those dates is meaningless,” added Gray. Wessels, speaking by telephone from Port Elizabeth, said he could see no reason why he would not be immediately available for test selection if he returned to Brisbane next season.

“The Australian Cricket Board gave me written permission to play for Kim Hughes’ team against South Africa this summer, so I wouldn’t think they can ban me from test cricket next season,” Wessels said.

"At least, that is the way it appears to me although I’d have to check how I stand with the cricket authorities before I returned."