Pat Symcox

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Pat Symcox
South Africa (SA)
Pat Symcox
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling type Right-arm offbreak
Tests ODIs
Matches 20 80
Runs scored 741 694
Batting average 28.50 16.92
100s/50s 1/4 -/3
Top score 108 61
Balls bowled 3561 3991
Wickets 37 72
Bowling average 43.32 38.36
5 wickets in innings - -
10 wickets in match - N/A
Best bowling 4/69 4/28
Catches/stumpings 5/- 23/-

As of 25 January 2006
Source: Cricinfo.com

Patrick Leonard Symcox (born 14 April 1960) played 20 Tests and 80 one-day internationals for South Africa in the 1990's and played provincial cricket for the Natal Dolphins in Durban. Symcox was a right-arm off-spin bowler and was known for his powerful hitting down the order and has a Test century to his name, scored against Pakistan. Symcox is co-holder of the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership of 195 runs. Symcox retired in 1998. His son, Russel, like his father, used to play provincial cricket for the Natal Dolphins, but now plays county cricket in England.

"Pat Symcox is possibly one of the most remarkable success stories of South African cricket. The year before making his international debut, at the age of 33, he was not even a member of the Natal provincial team.

Before that he had played much of his cricket in the relative anonymity of the Bowl competition. Not long after becoming a regular member of the Natal team, "Symmie" was selected for the national squad. Selected primarily for his ability as a limited-overs player, the tall off-spinner maintained an exceptional economy rate throughout his international career.

While his sense of humour was legendary, he was highly competitive, making him a formidable opponent. He worked hard on his fitness and agility in order to keep up with his younger team-mates. In the field he would always give 100%, throwing himself around to stop any ball that tried to get past him. His hard, accurate throwing left more than one opponent stranded between the wickets.

Symcox was a strong striker of the ball and at the start of his career he was an opening batsman. He played 20 Test matches for South Africa and scored 741 runs. His highest score was 108 and he also scored four 50s. With an average of 28.5 Symcox was often a thorn in the side of bowlers.

He also played 80 one-day internationals, putting together 694 runs at an average of 16.92. He scored three 50s, with a top score of 61.

As a bowler, Symcox had the ability to get through his overs quickly while tying down his opposition. He took 37 Test and 72 one-day wickets.

Gained notoriety in Australian cricket circles after being hit in the head with a full roast chicken which was thrown from the crowd during a one day match against Australia at the SCG.

Pat Symcox retired from international cricket in March 1999. He is now a national cricket selector, as well as a cricket commentator for television.

Quote from http://www.thesoutherncross.co.za/features/symcox.htm