Wessels was a strong captain

In the intervening decade, South African cricket managed to rebuild to the extent that until recently the team were widely regarded as the only possible pretenders to Australia's crown.

The recent double-header put the lie to any claims South Africa may have had, however, and have forced the current bout of soul-searching.

Wessels, South Africa's captain in that first Test, has no doubt as to where the problems lie.

"The selection panel is far too big. The panel must be led by someone who is unafraid to make a strong stand, but is still prepared to work with the captain and coach.

"The current situation of 'us against them' cannot continue," Wessels said in a recent column for Die Burger newspaper.

"Not one of them is in sync with the modern game.

Leadership needed

"All of them played first-class cricket before isolation and the last international cricket some of them played for South Africa was in the 70s. How can this group be expected to come up with solutions?"

Ever since South Africa's readmission into international cricket they have had the benefit of strong leadership, from captain, coach and selectors.

The outspoken Wessels was captain in that first match and he was replaced by Cronje, less outwardly confrontational but inside the dressing room he commanded respect.

Cronje was balanced with Bob Woolmer and it was that partnership that took South Africa to the brink of success, particularly in the one-day game.

However, the retirement of Peter Pollock as chief selector in 1999 was followed by the match-fixing scandal which ruined Cronje and left South Africa in limbo.

Shaun Pollock came in as the obvious compromise candidate but the changes were a response to a unique and desperate situation.

Pollock and Ford's pairing has been called into doubt

Wessels at least is in no doubt that Pollock's partnership with his old KwaZulu Natal colleague Graham Ford, is not working.

"They are too similar and neither is strong enough to maintain discipline in a professional manner.

"Neither of them command the respect to make tough decisions where necessary.

"If Pollock stays, then a strong coach will be required to crack the whip. If Ford stays, then a strong captain must be found."

World Cup worries

Wessels has already stated his unavailability for the upcoming meeting and there are several other high-profile figures missing.

Shaun Pollock himself only decided at the last minute that he should attend.

This indecision threatens to destabilise the situation further at a time when very little leadership is being afforded to South African cricket.

However, action is necessary with the spectacle of the World Cup arriving on South African shores in 2003.

If the team is unready to challenge in a year's time then the current cracks could easily become gaping chasms.