Altus Momberg - Die Burger

Cape Town – Graeme Smith and JP Duminy will board a private jet on Saturday night to allow them to join up with the Proteas squad as soon as possible.

The squad is convening in Johannesburg on Saturday, but the two Cape players first have to play in the final of the Pro20 series for the Cape Cobras against the Eagles at Newlands.

The final had originally been scheduled for Friday night. However, it would have clashed with the Super 14 match between the Stormers and Reds. The fact that the rugby and cricket stadiums are next to one another necessitated a change.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur said he was unhappy that Smith and Duminy would not be able to join up with his squad immediately.

“I spoke to Gerald Majola about it and we reached a compromise for the players to fly to Johannesburg immediately after the final,” said Arthur.

“If they fly on a SAA flight on Sunday morning they will be late. Gerald has organised a private jet to get them here as soon as possible.

“Our planning was to get together on Saturday because the final had been scheduled for Friday. The change messed with our plans.”

Arthur added that Smith and Duminy would have to miss the final if it’s moved to Sunday because of rain.

The Proteas are preparing for the Test series against Australia, which starts at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Thursday.