/ 13 February 2008

Peterson replaces Harris in Proteas tour squad

Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson will replace Paul Harris in the South African squad to tour Bangladesh, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Wednesday.

A CSA statement said Harris would miss the tour because of an abscess that required surgery.

”Robbie has shown excellent form in the [first-class] SuperSport Series,” selection chief Joubert Strydom said in the statement.

”He was the leading wicket-taker among South African spin bowlers with 24 wickets.”

Peterson’s call-up brings the number of black players in the 14-man squad to five.

The naming of the squad was delayed after the selectors and CSA president Norman Arendse became embroiled in a dispute over the number of black players who were chosen.

CSA’s transformation policy sets a target of seven black players in squads of 15, and six in a squad of 14.

South Africa will play two Tests and three one-day internationals in Bangladesh. — Reuters