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South Africa 1st Test squad

Monday, December 8 2003

South Africa has named its 14-man squad for the first Test match against the West Indies, starting on Friday 12th December. The squad for the most part is as expected, with Paul Adams and Boeta Dippenaar excluded.

Also finding no love from the selectors is Lance Klusener, who has not represented South Africa since the World Cup earlier this year. Since then, he has apparently been far from consideration for selection.

Dippenaar will miss out due to his inconsistency at Test level and Adams due to the conditions not likely to suit his brand of spin.

Gary Kirsten will confirm or deny availability for selection on Monday, due to his wife being pregnant. As cover, Martin van Jaarsveld finds his way into the squad.

The only newcomer to the team is Garnett Kruger. The 26-year-old fast medium bowler has been in good form for South Africa 'A', and has taken 141 wickets at 29.90 apiece thus far in his FC career of 44 games.

News is that Mfuneko Ngam will train with the squad for the three days preceding the Test match, in a hope that being in the South African international set-up will benefit his game.

The full squad is as follows:
Graeme Smith (C), Mark Boucher (wk), Herschelle Gibbs, Martin van Jaarsveld, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Garnett Kruger, Neil McKenzie, Jacques Rudolph, Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Robin Peterson, Makhaya Ntini, André Nel

Posted by Liam