Klusener, Zondeki included in one-day squad
Keith Lane - 23 November 2002
The South African National selectors have made some surprise selections for the South African squad that is to meet Sri Lanka in the Standard Bank International Series starting at the Wanderers on Wednesday 27 November.
Monde Zondeki must consider himself fortunate to be included in the 14-man
squad announced during the South Africa A, Sri Lanka match in Potchefstroom.
With a limited-overs record of 20 wickets in 12 matches and an economy rate of 5.29 there must be more to his selection than meets the eye. A bowler who does generate some pace, he is going to have to learn discipline quickly if he is to perform at the highest level.
Lance Klusener must also be counting his blessings. Having only scored 207 runs in his last 10 international innings with a highest score of 39 not out against Sri Lanka in Morocco, his form has to be questioned. In the domestic limited-overs competition he has scored 15 runs in two innings.
In the bowling department Klusener has, also in his last 10 internationals,
taken 12 wickets at an average of 26 with an economy rate of 4.03. Not figures to write home about, nor to bowl an opposition team out. In the domestic season he has only been able to capture one wicket.
Robin Peterson is very unlucky not to be included. Called up as a late replacement during the 'mini-world cup' in Sri Lanka, Peterson walked straight into the team, ahead of Justin Ontong, for the semi-final against Sri Lanka and performed well with the ball without taking any wickets.
Recalled to the team for the third one-day international against Bangladesh,
Peterson managed to take 2/39 in his 10 overs. He has yet to bat for South Africa, but has shown his talents for South Africa A against Australia A,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Steve Elworthy, Gary Kirsten and Neil McKenzie have also not found favour with the selectors. For the rest the team looks well balanced, with the return of the Free State trio of Boeta Dippenaar, Nicky Boje and Allan Donald.
SA Squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan Donald, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Jonty Rhodes, Graeme Smith, Monde Zondeki.
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