November 12 Tuesday 2002
Cullinan apologises publicly for not playing Australia

JOHANNESBURG: South African batsman Daryll Cullinan made a public apology on Monday over his refusal to play against Australia in March this year. 

Cullinan withdrew from the side to play Australia on the eve of the second Test at Newlands on March 5 over a contractual dispute with the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA). 

He apologised privately in writing to UCBSA chief executive Gerald Majola in May but it is the first time he has apologised in public. 

"I regret the circumstances and I could have handled the situation better," Cullinan said at a news conference in Johannesburg. 

"I'd like to apologise to the team, cricket supporters and the United Cricket Board for bringing the game into disrepute and I'd like to reconfirm my commitment to the game. 

"I would love to serve South African cricket in whatever capacity they deem fit." 

Cullinan said he wanted to apologise in person to the team, although he was not sure when that would be possible. The 35-year-old also confirmed he was available for both the Test and one-day side. He announced his intention to play only Test cricket during the Centurion Test against England in January 2000. 

The timing of Cullinan's public apology would appear significant. Three South African middle order batsmen - Martin van Jaarsveld, Ashwell Prince and Neil McKenzie - failed in South Africa's innings and 64 run defeat of Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Wanderers on Sunday. 

With the World Cup also only three months away, Cullinan is clearly intent on fighting his way back into the national set-up.