Daryll Cullinan has made a public apology over his refusal to play against Australia earlier this year. Cullinan, who has been watching with interest the failures of Martin van Jaarsveld, Ashwell Prince and Neil McKenzie in South Africa's middle order, pulled out of their squad on the eve of the second Test against Australia at Newlands last March, citing a contractual dispute. He had since apologised privately to Gerald Majola, the UCB chief executive, but this is the first time he has made his feelings publicly known.

"I regret the circumstances and I could have handled the situation better," Cullinan said at a news conference in Johannesburg. "I'd like to apologise to the team, cricket supporters and the United Cricket Board for bringing the game into disrepute and I'd like to reconfirm my commitment to the game. I would love to serve South African cricket in whatever capacity they deem fit."

Cullinan retired from one-day cricket during Cronje's Match against England at Centurion in January 2000, but with the World Cup looming, he is keen to make a comeback in both forms of the game.

South Africa, meanwhile, have announced their squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka. Herschelle Gibbs, who pulled out of the first match with a back injury, will undergo a late fitness test, and is likely to replace van Jaarsveld. The spinner, Claude Henderson, has also been included.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd