Zondeki to provide cover for Dale Steyn

By Anele Siwa
06 January 2008

Nashua Cape Cobras fast bowler Monde Zondeki has been added to the Proteas squad for the third Castle Test against the West Indies, starting at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, on Thursday.

“The national selectors on Saturday named a squad of 13 players for this match,” says Media Officer of Cricket South Africa Michael Owen-Smith.

According to Owen-Smith Morne Morkel has been released to play for the Nashua Titans in their SuperSport Series match against the Nashua Dolpins while Neil McKenzie of the bizhub Highveld Lions is out through his calf muscle injury.

“McKenzie will continue his rehabilitation with the Lions and is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks,” says Owen-Smith.

According to Owen-Smith Herschelle Gibbs will open the batting with Graeme Smith while Zondeki, the leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket this season, will provide cover for Dale Steyn, who has a hamstring strain.

Castle Test squad consists of the following players: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Jacques Kallis (Nashua Cape Cobras), Ashwell Prince (Nashua Cape Cobras, vice-capt), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), Mark Boucher (Nashua Cape Cobras), Shaun Pollock (Nashua Dolphins), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Andre Nel (Nashua Titans), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Makhaya Ntini (Chevrolet Warriors), Monde Zondeki (Nashua Cape Cobras).