Cricket
Arthur wants Proteas to rest
2009-03-24 06:50
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Altus Momberg - Die Burger
Cape Town - Proteas coach Mickey Arthur is not happy with the idea of his team playing a triangular series in June against India and Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe.
Arthur would much rather his side play in September to warm up for the Champions Trophy tournament that is taking place in South Africa at the end of that month.
Arthur also wants his side to get proper rest between the end of the Twenty20 World Cup in England in June and the start of their preparation for the Champions Trophy tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Monday that South Africa would play in a triangular series against India and Zimbabwe.
There is also the issue of how players feel about the planned series. Cricket South Africa (CSA) have not at all spoken to the South African Cricketers’ Association (Saca) about the possible series.
Saca chief executive Tony Irish said on Monday he had also only read in the media about the planned series.
“We have not heard anything officially. It’s definitely not part of the international tour programme (FTP),” said Irish.
He added that Saca’s agreement with CSA stipulates that players should be available for all International Cricket Council tournaments and matches that are part of the FTP.
Meanwhile, there were no surprises when the South African selectors named the squad for the coming limited-overs series against Australia.
Graeme Smith’s return in place of Neil McKenzie is the only change to the squad that won the recent one-day series in Australia. Smith has recovered from his hand and elbow injuries.
Morné Morkel, who lost his place in the test and Twenty20 squads, gets the opportunity to get his international career back on track and good performances can bring him back into contention for the test side.
He struggled to find consistency in the test series and it was felt that he should regain his confidence in domestic cricket.