Harris in Proteas Test squad

Following the sudden retirement of Nicky Boje, South Africa have called up uncapped left-arm spinner Paul Harris into their squad for the remaining two Test against India.

South Africa fielded five seamers on at Johannesburg but were comprehensively outgunned by India’s youthful attack on a green wicket and capitulated to a 123-run defeat inside four days.

Boje announced his retirement last week, a decision he said was triggered by comments from Haroon Lorgat, the convener of the selection panel. While praising the quality of South Africa’s pace bowlers, Lorgat had mentioned that the apart from the spinners, the Proteas’ bowling attack is on a par with Australia.

Speaking today at the announcement of the squad, Lorgat stated that he had tried to contact Claude Henderson, another left-arm spinner, but found he did not want to endanger his status as a Kolpak player for his English county, Leicestershire. 28-year-old Harris represented Warwickshire in the County Championship last summer and took 31 wickets at 29.19 apiece. However, should be represent South Africa in either Test he will be unavailable to return to the English game under the Kolpak ruling.

Seamer Morne Morkel, who enjoyed considerable success playing for the Rest of South Africa against India, has been put on standby as backup for Dale Steyn and Andrew Hall who are doubtful through injury.

South Africa Squad
Graeme Smith (captain), Jacques Kallis, Paul Adams, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Paul Harris, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn.