Jennings must prove his worth

South Africa captain Graeme Smith is a supporter of current Proteas coach Ray Jennings

South Africa coach Ray Jennings’ resolve came under the greatest test of his reign to date when it was confirmed his bosses are seeking applications for his post.

Despite being midway through the one-day series with England, the United Cricket Board of South Africa have decided to advertise the availability of the national coach’s job at the end of it.

Jennings, whose contract runs out in May, had to gee himself up in the face of speculation linking several high-profile Australians with the post.

Outsiders may consider his treatment harsh. But Jennings, who took over only in the autumn, could pay for losing consecutive Test series to India and England.

If South Africa go for a new man Jennings will walk away in the belief he could have improved results with greater say in selection than he has as one of a five-man panel whose role is to promote the representation of ethnicity whenever possible.

Ray Jennings has led South Africa to sporadic success

“What are they looking for in me? Is it only results?” asked Jennings.

“If it was results maybe they should have left the picking of the side to me, and I would have got the results.

“It is difficult in my position when the powers that be get involved in the end product.

“If we had got the balance right in the Test series a lot quicker we could have won it, definitely levelled it.

“I don’t believe England played a lot better than us in the Test series, yet they won 2-1.”

It is conceivable Jennings could reapply - perhaps on the back of a successful one-day campaign against England, which resumes on Wednesday at Buffalo Park with the South Africans 2-1 ahead with three to play.

Jennings has challenged the likes of pace bowler Shaun Pollock to try even harder

“If I can walk away from the job knowing I have made an impact on the players’ lives, their thought patterns and mental toughness I am going to be happy,” he said.

“I am not really looking at the results or who I have pleased outside the changing rooms. I want to have made an impact on the players.

“This side has grown, it has shown guts under pressure and come through.

“I will speak to the players. If they want me as a leader I will reapply; if the players feel not I won’t apply.

“I think it is all about the players needing a leader they can trust. I am sincere and honest and I do a good day’s work.

“I know what I am worth and what I can do. I have got a positive track record and I will move forward quickly.

Jacques Kallis starred for South Africa in the Test series that England won 2-1

“I am passionate about the game; I took the job on the basis that I was going to enjoy myself. I have made a mark of mental toughness in the side, and we are becoming the best fielding side in the world."

Jennings has been ultra-critical of individuals within the squad during his short tenure - an approach he believes gets the best out of them.

Captain Graeme Smith said last October that whichever individual was best for South Africa - regardless whether they were Australian, English or homegrown - should be given the chance to guide the team.

Jennings said: “Graeme is entitled to his own opinion. I am not perturbed.

“He is a passionate guy. He is still young and wants to do well.

“The relationship I have had with him is different. I challenge him, and he challenges me; I am hard on him, and he is hard on me.

Duncan Fletcher will not apply for the South Africa job

“If it isn’t like that I stop thinking. He sent a text message saying: 'Coach, you’re a champion’. Little things like that mean a lot to me.”

One man who says he will not be in the running for the job is England coach Duncan Fletcher, who still lives in Cape Town.

“I am not applying for anything; I am with the England side,” he said.

“England have been very good to me - and as far as I am concerned, the team has been good to me.

“I am with England and staying within the bubble of England cricket.”