Simmons defends Zimbabwe status

Match report

Zimbabwe coach Phil Simmons rejected calls for the country to lose its Test status after their innings defeat inside two days against South Africa.

Simmons hit back at predecessor David Houghton's suggestion they drop out of the Test scene, citing collapses by England, Pakistan and West Indies.

"There was no talk about taking them out of Test cricket. It happens, teams get bowled out," Simmons insisted.

"If I didn't believe this team had the potential I wouldn't be in this job."

Former West Indies all-rounder Simmons said Zimbabwe's defeat was down to "one bad day", which saw them dismissed for 54 before South Africa rack up 340-3.

It's the ICC's call whether it's fair or not Graeme Smith

South Africa captain Graeme Smith would not be draw on the issue, which is likely to be debated at the International Cricket Council's next board meeting in a fortnight in Delhi.

Smith's men became only the third team since 1946 to win a Test inside two days and the 18th overall.

"That's not my call, it's the International Cricket Council's call," he said when asked if Zimbabwe should be taken out of the firing line.

"You give them respect by treating them the same as any other other Test nation, but it's the ICC's call whether it's fair or not."