/ 27 February 2005

Premier SA bowlers to be rested for Zim matches

South Africa’s premier bowlers, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini, are to be rested for the last two matches in the three-match Standard Bank limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, South Africa’s cricket authorities said.

Ntini played in the first match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday night, but Pollock did not play.

Cricket South Africa media spokesperson Moabi Litheko said swing bowler Charl Langeveldt has joined the South African team after passing a fitness test, and he will play in the two remaining matches in Durban on Sunday and in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

Langeveldt broke a bone in his left hand during the third Test against England in Cape Town in January, and has been out of action for the national team since then.

South Africa easily beat Zimbabwe by 165 runs in the first match on Friday, and are expected to do the same in the second match on Sunday.

Zimbabwe may be boosted by the addition of former captain Heath Streak and another former rebel player, Andy Blignaut, in time for the third match at St George’s Park.

But the South Africans are still expected to be much too strong for their inexperienced northern neighbours. — Sapa

Squads:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Adam Bacher, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Andre Nel, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph.

Zimbabwe: Tatenda Taibu (captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Barney Rogers, Brendan Taylor, Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Alester Maregwede, Douglas Hondo, Tinashe Panyangara, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Prosper Utseya, Gavin Ewing.