Kirsten stays at home
Source: Supercricket - 29 August 2002

Veteran opener Gary Kirsten has been dropped from the South African squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.

South Africa had named a preliminary squad already but a paltry return of 58 runs from three
matches in the recent Morocco Cup cost the 34-year-old his place after 177 one-day
internationals.

However, Kirsten has been named in the South Africa A side to take on the touring Australia A team in September.

Neil McKenzie captains the second string team, and will also be looking for a return to the first XI ahead of next year's World Cup.

"We feel that Gary has a better chance of batting his way back into the mainstream playing in home conditions against Australia A than he would in Sri Lanka," chief of selectors Omar Henry said. Medium pacer Roger Telemachus was also axed from the Champions Trophy squad although his omission was "a precautionary measure for medical reasons", a statement said.

Kirsten's place in the South African squad is taken by middle order batsman Dale Benkenstein, who has played 20 one-day internationals.

Swing bowler Alan Dawson, who has four one-day caps, comes in for Western Province team-mate Telemachus.

"Both of these players have a proven track record in the sub-continent and we believe they will be very well-suited to the conditions in Sri Lanka," Henry said.

The South Africa A squad includes fast bowlers Mfuneko Ngam and Nantie Hayward, and
allrounder Justin Kemp, all of whom return from lengthy injury layoffs.


Squads:
South Africa (for ICC Champions Trophy): Shaun Pollock (capt), Dale Benkenstein, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher (wkt), Alan Dawson, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan Donald, Herschelle Gibbs,
Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Jonty Rhodes, Graeme Smith.

South Africa A (for first three one-day matches against Australia A): Neil McKenzie (capt), Loots Bosman, Steve Elworthy, Andrew Hall, Mornantau Hayward, Justin Kemp, Gary Kirsten, Andre Nel, Mfuneko Ngam, Robin Peterson, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Errol Stewart, David Terbrugge, Thami Tsolikile (wkt), Martin van Jaarsveld.

Australia A itinerary:
4 Sept: v South Africa A, Potchefstroom
6 Sept: v South Africa A, Benoni
8 Sept: v South Africa A, Centurion
11 Sept: v South Africa A, Johannesburg
13 Sept: v South Africa A, East London
15 Sept: v South Africa A, Bloemfontein
18 Sept: v South Africa A, Pietermaritzburg