Cricket
McLaren to make ODI debut
2009-11-07 13:04
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Johannesburg - Ryan McLaren will make his international debut in the first MTN ODI against Zimbabwe to be played at Sahara Willowmoore Park on Sunday.
The Proteas' starting XI also features the recall of swing bowler Charl Langeveldt from the Cape Cobras and batsman Alviro Petersen from the Highveld Lions.
None of these three players were involved in the recent ICC Champions Trophy tournament. Petersen and Langeveldt last played for the Proteas in the ODI series in Bangladesh last year.
The 26-year-old McLaren, an all-rounder from the Eagles franchise, was originally scheduled to make his debut last year in the ODI series against Kenya and Bangladesh, but had to withdraw because of his commitments to England county Kent.
He became available for the Proteas from October 1 this year. He previously represented South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand in 2002 when his team-mates included Hashim Amla and Imraan Khan.
"It is a dream come true," commented an excited McLaren.
"It has been a long process to get there and I am really looking forward to this opportunity. It is lovely to be part of the team and I hope to contribute in as many areas as possible."
McLaren comes from a well-known cricketing family. Both his father, Paul, and uncle, Keith, played first-class cricket for Griquas. He is a product of Bloemfontein's Grey College where he was head boy in his final year.
JP Duminy has picked up a minor shin injury and was not considered for selection nor were Jacques Kallis and Wayne Parnell who are still recuperating from side and ankle injuries respectively.
Proteas ODI XI:
Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Alviro Petersen, Albie Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Charl Langeveldt. 12th man: Roelof van der Merwe