Cox ready to 'move on'

Former South Australian Cricket Association high performance manager Jamie Cox has vowed he will "move on" after speaking out for the first time since his shock sacking earlier this year.

Cox was axed by SACA in May for recruiting players for KFC T20 Big Bash League club Adelaide Strikers outside the permitted BBL contracting period.

"It is not a great chapter in my life and I want to be able to move on," Cox told News Limited.

"I have rebuilt some faith that I will be OK.

"I realised how tired I was and there was some real benefit out of this. I have enjoyed eating well again, exercising, sleeping properly and being around my family."

An investigation by Cricket Australia's Integrity Unit into the BBL recruiting practices sparked SACA to launch its own investigation that lead to Cox's dismissal. The Integrity Unit investigation lead to a $50,000 fine.

This week the Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat were fined for signing players outside the contracting window. Hobart were fined $20,000 for two breaches of the regulations, with the Sixers and Brisbane fine $10,000 for one breach each.

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Now that the dust has settled at Adelaide Oval, Cox says he's ready for the next phase in his life to begin.

The 44-year-old former national selector was instrumental in Redbacks signing dashing batsman Phillip Hughes from New South Wales in 2012, and Hughes says while it's sad to see Cox go he was adamant the on-field preparations have not been hampered.

"It's business as usual for us. It was disappointing at the time," Hughes told cricket.com.au in June.

"I've spent some really good time with Coxy over the past couple of years. Personally for me he's been really good. But I don't want to dwell on what's happened there.

"I've got a lot of respect for Jamie and I will going forward. No doubt we'll stay in contact over the years to come.

"I'm sure as a playing group we'll be fine. On the field it's business as usual, but it has been disappointing to lose Jamie."

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Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen has been appointed as Cox's successor at SACA and the pair are adamant they will remain mates.

"Tim is a mate and a real cricket person," said Cox.

"We haven't stopped talking and if he wants any advice I will always be there to offer it."

One issue Nielsen will need to address is South Australia's Sheffield Shield draught, but is confident the current roster can deliver the Redbacks' first title since 1995-96.

"My key focus in the short term will be consolidating a really positive period of growth for cricket in South Australia," Nielsen said.

"Our underage teams have led the way nationally over the past two years and our women's team, the Scorpions, enjoyed great improvement last year.

"We have experienced more success in the Sheffield Shield and I believe that we can achieve the ultimate goal with this group."