Jennings dares South African board to fire him

Coach Ray Jennings sent South Africa's cricket board a defiant message yesterday, arguing his record was too good for him to be sacked.

Jennings, returning with his squad from the Caribbean after beating West Indies 2-0 over four tests and whitewashing them 5-0 in the one-dayers, told reporters: "If I've been unsuccessful then they must throw me out, but if I've done well then they must back me."

The United Cricket Board are set to announce the appointment of a full-time coach today. Media speculation has been rife that Jennings, appointed as interim coach in September last year, will be replaced by Eastern Cape Warriors and former South Africa A coach Mickey Arthur.

"I was called a big mouth when I said we were aiming for a whitewash in the West Indies and I was not backed 100 per cent. But I've showed it was not out of the question," Jennings added.

"I could write a chapter on how each player has sharpened up and I believe I've added value.

The passion and the energy levels that were so lacking when I took over are back, and arriving back in South Africa I can see the enthusiasm for cricket is alive and well again."

Jennings, a tough-talking, innovative thinker, said he did not believe personal popularity mattered.

"I don't want to be likeable but losing. I have ruffled a few feathers, but that's good because I would hate to believe the players think I'm a great guy.

Sometimes good guys come second and everyone has said South African cricket's vision should be to be number one in the world."