Cricket legend, keynote speaker and after-dinner entertainer
Corporate audiences, sports clubs, conferences, after-dinner events and groups seeking inspirational, humorous and insightful sporting stories.
Pat Symcox is a former South African international cricketer renowned for his spirited performances, tactical off-spin bowling and explosive hitting down the batting order. Born in Kimberley in 1960, he became a key figure in South African cricket during the 1990s, representing the Proteas in 20 Test matches and 80 One Day Internationals. Symcox’s aggressive lower-order batting earned him a Test century against Pakistan, where he achieved his highest score of 108. He also co-holds the record for the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Test cricket, sharing a 195-run stand with wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.
At domestic level, Symcox represented the Natal Dolphins and was known for his competitiveness across multiple sports, including provincial squash and badminton. Making his international debut in 1993, he became a regular fixture in the national squad, particularly valued for his match-changing potential in limited overs cricket. His career also includes memorable moments, such as the Sydney Cricket Ground incident in 1997 when play stopped after he was pelted with objects from the crowd.
Since retiring in 1998, Pat has remained a prominent voice in the sport, serving as a commentator for major tournaments including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup for STAR Cricket and ESPN. Today he is in demand as a keynote and after-dinner speaker, known for his humour, insight and candid reflections on a transformative era in South African cricket.
Pat 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.
Highest Test score 108. Symcox is co-holder of the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership with Mark Boucher of 195 runs against Pakistan.
Patrick Leonard Symcox (born 14 April 1960 in Kimberley) played 20 Tests and 80 One Day Internationals for South Africa in the 1990s and played provincial cricket for the Natal Dolphins in Durban.
Also played Provincial squash and Badminton. Pat Symcox made his International Cricket debut in 1993 when South Africa played against Sri Lanka. Pat Symcox became a fixture in the National Squad, primarily for his ability as a limited-overs player.
Symo 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. Highest Test score 108. Symcox is co-holder of the highest ever ninth-wicket partnership with Mark Boucher of 195 runs against Pakistan
Symcox retired in 1998. His son, Russel, like his father, used to play provincial cricket for the Natal Dolphins.
During an ODI against Australia at the SCG in late-1997, play was stopped after the crowd pelted Symcox with projectiles, including an entire KFC barbecue chicken.
Pat Symcox – Cricket Legend is currently a Commentator for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, along with Harsha Bhogle and Navjot Singh Sidhu on STAR Cricket and ESPN.
Pat is a much sought-after speaker and after-dinner speaker
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This short feature offers a snapshot of Pat Symcox’s life, personality and cricket legacy. It opens with imagery of the pendants he wears — a St. Christopher’s medallion, a cricket bat and a whale’s fin — symbolic reminders of his values, career and personal story.
The segment then highlights his achievements as a South African cricketer, noting his 20 Test and 80 ODI appearances during the 1990s. Symcox explains that unlike young players in Australia or New Zealand, South African cricketers of his generation had no national pathway due to isolation from world cricket. As a result, he and his peers played club cricket while holding full-time jobs, only gaining the chance to represent South Africa much later in life when international readmission occurred.
Symcox discusses his long media career following retirement, having commentated around the world for more than a decade. He describes being invited by ESPN to cover tournaments such as the Under-19 Cricket World Cup and reflects on the excitement of calling live action, illustrated by an example of an exceptional catch during commentary.
The video also addresses his departure from South Africa’s broadcaster SuperSport. Symcox notes that disagreements arose when his honest opinions did not align with what some preferred him to say. Valuing freedom of expression, he chose to part ways rather than restrict his commentary.
The feature closes with his return to South Africa and the notion that his path remains open, highlighting his enduring presence in the game through commentary, storytelling and cricket insight.
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