FRIDAY, 4.30AM:
SOUTH AFRICAN allrounder Brian McMillan has been included in the National side for their upcoming tour to England.
South African selectors convenor Peter Pollock’s naming of McMillan was perhaps the greatest surprise in the team, although veteran off-spinner Pat Symcox has also been included after speculation that his career may be over.
McMillan, who was forced to withdraw from the first Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers in February because of an ankle injury and has been out in the cold ever since, returns mainly as a batsman and specialist slip fielder.
The only new cap in the side is Eastern Province speedster Mornantau Hayward, who will complement the pace of Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock.
The selectors have also opted to play Gerhardus Liebenberg as opening bat and substitute wicketkeeper, choosing not to include Nicky Pothas in the side.
The Squad
Gary Kirsten (vice-capt.), Adam Bacher, Gerhardus Liebenberg, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje (capt.), Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock, Brian McMillan, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Pat Symcox, Roger Telemachus, Mornantau Hayward, Allan Donald, Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini. Manager: SK Reddy. Assistant manager: Goolam Rajah. Coach: Bob Woolmer, Assis coach: Corrie van Zyl
The SA “A” squad to tour Sri Lanka is:
Dale Benkenstein (capt.), Nicky Boje (vice-cap), Mark Bruyns, Herschelle Gibbs, Derek Crookes, HD Ackerman, Martin van Jaarsveld,Loods Bosman, Ashwell Prince, Nicky Pothas, Derek Greg Smith, Herman Bakkes, Alan Dawson, Henry Williams, Claude Henderson. Manager: Henry Paulse. Coach: Duncan Fletcher.