Friday 15th August 2008
Proteas opt for spin duo
The South Africa selectors have sprang a surprise by naming two spinners in their squad for next month's Champions Trophy.
Warriors duo Johan Botha and Robin Peterson have both been included on the 15-man list named by Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive officer Gerald Majola.
Botha, 26, is currently on tour in England with South Africa's one-day international side, while 29-year-old Peterson was part of the squad which recently claimed victory in the Test series between the two countries
Majola, who is serving as caretaker convener of selectors while the General Council search for a replacement for recently resigned Joubert Strydom, is confident their selection will give the Proteas further options in the bowling department.
He said: "The selection committee has opted for two spinners, considering this tournament takes place on the sub-continent.
"Having a left and right arm option in Robin Peterson and Johan Botha gives the selectors the variation they're looking for."
The squad will be led by Graeme Smith with experienced pair Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis also named.
South Africa are placed in Group B for the competition alongside Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand, who they open their campaign against on September 14.
South Africa squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, (wicketkeeper), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn.


