Share

Levi’s coming home

Cape Town – Explosive new Proteas batting sensation Richard Levi will return to South Africa, as initially scheduled, after completion of the Twenty20 international series against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

GALLERY: New Zealand v SA T20

This was confirmed by selection convenor Andrew Hudson in an audio media release issued by Cricket South Africa on Tuesday morning.

There has been a clamour from various critics, enthusiasts and some former national players – including captains Kepler Wessels and Clive Rice and seamer and ex-selector Craig Matthews – for Levi to stay on for the one-day international series following his multiple record-smashing  117 not out  in just his second appearance for the Proteas in the second T20 international at Hamilton on Sunday.

Wessels said it would amount to “selection madness” if he didn’t stay on, even if it meant adding to the 14-strong ODI squad picked a few weeks ago.

But Hudson said: “It is very important that we honour the selection process in terms of the 14 guys selected for the ODIs.

“It’s unfortunate that Richard will have to wait his turn. Certainly he can go home and play in the MiWay T20 Challenge; we need to focus, nurture and grow him for the ICC World Twenty20 in September.

“In terms of his one-day aspirations I hope that will follow in due course.

“He’s a fine player and we hope one day he represents South Africa in the ODI format as well.”

*Follow our chief writer on Twitter: @RobHouwing

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1205 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1404 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2128 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE