South African cricket experienced a massive change in personnel following the resignation of coach Mickey Arthur and the axing of the selection panel.

Reading between the lines, one can see that coach Mickey Arthur was effectively axed due to poor results, lack of transformation and the imposition of conditions he was was not prepared to work under.

In the end his resignation allowed him to save face, and he was hurt to have to hear rumours of a rift with captain Graeme Smith, even though the two had differences of opinions during the English series.

Selection convenor Mike Proctor and his panel of Craig Matthews, Mustapha Khan and Winkie Ximaya have all been axed.

Until permanent appointments are made, Corrie van Zyl will coach the side and has roped in former Proteas captain Kepler Wessels. Wessels is reasonably well respected, but I’ve found in his role as a commentator for Supersport, he doesn’t add a lot of value or insight.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola will be the convenor of the selection panel.

The reasons for axing the former panel and streamlining the new panel is the belief that the old system is outdated. Greater powers will be given to captain Graeme Smith.

The removal of Mickey Arthur is two-fold. Transformation was not going ahead at an acceptable pace, and new ideas and better results are needed. The board were disappointed at the decline in performances after achieving both the number 1 test and one day rankings.

Is this a good move in the long-term?

I’ve never been a huge supporter of Arthur, but recently he appeared to be more positive in his approach to the game. Was it a bad move to get rid of a coach who was learning valuable lessons?

Or is Cricket South Africa showing it is not prepared to settle for second best and will not tolerate poor performances? It could be a great move.

Only time will tell. Who will coach the side in the future? Gary Kirsten and Jeremy Snape have been two names mentioned. Kirsten would be a great choice but is currently coaching India. As an honurable man I can’t see him walking away from a commitment he has made.

Snape has been the team’s psychologist and to my knowledge lacks coaching experience at the top level.

These are interesting times in South African cricket…let’s hope things are handled in a better manner and the Proteas can move to the next level.