/ 3 November 2008

Smith to miss Pro20

Graeme Smith will miss Wednesday’s Standard Bank Pro20 International against Bangladesh at the Wanderers Stadium to enable him to concentrate on his rehabilitation programme from his elbow injury.

”Graeme is making very good progress and we are monitoring him on a day-to-day basis,” said acting selection convener Gerald Majola.

”We are confident that he will return at some stage of the Bangladesh tour and we will be guided by our medical team in that regard.”

Johan Botha will continue as captain after leading the Proteas to a 2-0 series victory in the weekend’s MTN ODI series against Kenya. Rory Kleinveldt and Johann Louw will thus make their Standard Bank Pro20 International debuts.

The other feature will be the first international appearance of the season of pace spearhead Dale Steyn since recovering from his recent illness.

”We decided not to replace Smith in the squad with an additional player as we do not want to disrupt franchises who are preparing for the next round of SuperSport Series matches starting on Thursday,” said Majola.

Hashim Amla and Monde Zondeki, who are both members of the Standard Bank ODI squad, will fill 12th man duties as required. – Sapa