/ 13 September 2005

SA cricket team’s brush with death

The South Africa ‘A’ cricket squad members have escaped unscathed in a head-on collision on the road between Dambulla and Kandy in central Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

The squad were travelling in a bus from practice when the accident occurred.

According to the South Africa ‘A’ coach, Vincent Barnes, a truck loaded with wood smashed into the bus they were travelling in.

”A truck driver appeared to have lost control of his vehicle when he was overtaking. He came straight at us and collided with our bus and although we did not get hurt, our police escorts were seriously hurt when the truck slid and hit them.

”I want to assure everybody back home that we are fine and the match will go on as planned.”

The South Africans were preparing for a three-day match against the Sri Lanka A team in Dambulla. The players will travel from Kandy to Dambulla in the morning due to lack of accommodation there. The match will begin at 10am local time. – Sapa