/ 3 January 2012

SA all-rounder suspended for failing alcohol test

Roelof van der Merwe has been suspended for one Big Bash League match for failing a roadside alcohol breath test on New Year's Day.

South Africa all-rounder and Twenty20 specialist Roelof van der Merwe has been suspended from playing for the Brisbane Heat for one match in Australia’s Big Bash League after failing a roadside alcohol breath test early on New Year’s Day, the day after his 27th birthday.

Queensland Cricket said Van der Merwe was found guilty of a charge of detrimental conduct under its code of behaviour. In addition to the suspension, he was ordered to pay a “significant fine”.

Van der Merwe, a middle-order batsman and slow left-arm bowler, will go to court later in January.

He has represented South Africa in limited-overs internationals and played with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League. — Sapa-AP