McKenzie
left out of SA squad for Morocco
July 25 2002
Middle-order batsman Neil
McKenzie has been left out of South Africa's squad for a
triangular one-day tournament in Morocco next month.
The 26-year-old, a key member of South Africa's top order
and potential future captain, was not in the 15-man squad
announced by the United Cricket Board (UCB) on Thursday.
Boeta Dippenaar, who has scored 984 runs at an average of
42.78 in 34 one-day internationals, gets another chance
to establish himself in the side.
McKenzie's less than convincing performances against spin
bowling could have cost him his place, especially with
the South Africans facing Sri Lanka and Pakistan on what
are expected to be turning pitches.
Veteran seamer Steve Elworthy also missed out on
selection after making the preliminary squad, while
all-rounder Justin Kemp has failed to recover from ankle
surgery.
"As the selection panel, we had to take into account
aspects like fitness, conditions and the needs of the
coach and his team," convenor of selectors Omar
Henry said.
"Of the 18 man provisional squad we named, Neil
McKenzie and Steve Elworthy were unfortunate to miss out
this time, but both are very much in the frame."
The tournament will be played in Tangiers from August 12
to 21.
South Africa squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Paul
Adams, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan
Donald, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten,
Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Jonty
Rhodes, Graeme Smith, Roger Telemachus.