Cullinan walks out on Test recall

South Africa batsman Daryll Cullinan has walked out of the team just 24 hours after expressing delight at his recall, the national governing body said on Tuesday.

Cullinan was selected to face Australia in the second Test in Cape Town, starting Friday, but has now withdrawn, unhappy at not being offered a contract, according to the United Cricket Board of South Africa.

Cullinan described his recall on Monday -- his 35th birthday -- as a "lovely bonus".

But he has already been replaced in the team by 20-year-old Western Province left-hander Graeme Smith as South Africa look to end a run of four Test defeats to Australian in less than three months.

NOT AGREE

"Daryll had conditions for his participation in the Test," UCBSA chief executive Gerald Majola said. "He insisted on an 'A' contract until the World Cup next year and we simply could not agree to that.

"There are procedures for contracts. Two test matches or six one-day internationals automatically earns a contract.

"All the national selectors can recommend a player for a contract. I asked them about Daryll and they said they wanted to see him play first.

"All our contracted players have their annual review next month anyway so we couldn't give Daryll a year's contract."

Cullinan was plagued by a chronic knee injury for much of 2001 and has only recently fought his way back to fitness.

"We are trying to restore national pride after the recent defeats to Australia but he doesn't seem interested in that," added Majola.

The right-hander, who has played 70 Tests for South Africa, averaging more than 44, last appeared in April 2001 against the West Indies in Jamaica.

He was recalled to the Test side after making 86 for South Africa A against Australia last week, as selectors made several changes for the second Test.

Cullinan was not immediately available for comment and his mobile phone was switched off.

Earlier report
Cullinan surprised by Test call-up

Mail Cricket Editor