Cricket South Africa announces contracted players

By Anele Siwa
02 February 2008

Cricket South Africa has today announced the names of the 15 players to be contracted to the Proteas for the period between 1 of May, 2008, and 30 of April, 2009.

“There are four newcomers, Cape Cobras batsman JP Duminy, Titans spin bowler Paul Harris, Chevrolet Warriors all-rounder Johan Botha and Titans fast bowler Morne Morkel,” says Michael Owen-Smith, media officer for Cricket South Africa.

According to Owen-Smith the four newcomers have established themselves as regular choices for the Proteas over the past 12 months either in the Castle Test squad or the ODI squad or in some cases in both.

They will replace Dolphins all-rounder Shaun Pollock, Gestetner Diamond Eagles batsman Boeta Dippenaar and Andrew Hall who have all announced their retirement from international cricket and Cape Cobras all-rounder Justin Kemp.

According to Owen-SmithThe contracted squad is: Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Cape Cobras), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Cape Cobras), Paul Harris (Titans), Jacques Kallis (Cape Cobras), Charl Langeveldt (Cape Cobras), Morne Morkel (Titans), Andre Nel (Titans), Makhaya Ntini (Warriors), Ashwell Prince (Cape Cobras), Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Titans).

“The Proteas contracted players’ list without the name Shaun Pollock on it is something of a shock to all of us and it certainly marks the end of a remarkable career. As they said of Adam Gilchrist, Polly in your team meant that you had 12 players on the field and South African cricket will miss him enormously,” says Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola.

According to Majola they have been most encouraged by the ability of CSA’s franchise and high performance systems to produce young cricketers who can perform successfully at the highest level.

“It is also encouraging that we now have two spinners on board, and this has given us that added variety that we lacked in the recent past,” he added.

Majola says Proteas are facing a tough and exciting touring season, including the likes of India, England as well as Australia.

“CSA has done everything in its power to ensure that they are ready to overcome the challenges that lie ahead,” Says Majola.