Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola on Monday congratulated the Proteas on their Test-series win over England.
He said he looks forward to more success in the Twenty20 International and five-match one-day international (ODI) series as well as the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
”The Proteas’ first Test-series win in England since unity in 1991 is a fantastic achievement and one that has made the whole country immensely proud,” said Majola.
”We hope now that Graeme Smith and his players can finish off the Test series at The Oval with another high-quality performance before turning their attention to T20 and ODI cricket.
”We have a T20 international and a five-match ODI series against England with the latter offering us the chance to regain the lead in the Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Championship table, before moving on to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
”No team has ever won the ICC Champions Trophy twice but, having lifted the prize at the inaugural event in Bangladesh in 1998, it would be fantastic if, come September, South Africa could become the first side to do just that, in Pakistan,” said Majola.
Cricket South Africa on Monday named a 15-man squad for the T20 International against England as well as the five-match ODI series.
”The squad is made up of the players who have done so well for us over the past year and we have every confidence that they will regain the number-one ranking on the Reliance Mobile ODI standings from Australia,” commented convener of selectors Joubert Strydom.
”The only player who is no longer part of the mix is Charl Langeveldt who is no longer available.
”We have included Hashim Amla as the 15th player in the squad because of the heavy workload that Graeme Smith has had to carry and the injuries he has suffered recently. Hashim played in our most recent ODI series against Bangladesh and he will provide the cover in the opening batting area.
”Including the warm-up matches there are nine matches to be played in the limited-overs section of the tour, and the selection of an additional player is more than justified.” — Sapa
South Africa limited-overs squad
Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras, captain), Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Johan Botha (Warriors), Mark Boucher (Warriors), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Cape Cobras), Jacques Kallis (Warriors), Albie Morkel (Titans), Morne Morkel (Titans), Andre Nel (Highveld Lions), Makhaya Ntini (Warriors), Justin Ontong (Cape Cobras), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Titans)