SA- Aus Preview: South Africa Leave Prince Out, Call Tsotsobe

Sreelata YellamrazuFeb 25 2009

South Africa had reasons enough to be jubilant. But now jubilation must now give way once again to grit, determination and the old fashioned passion that saw them win the Test series in Australia from decidedly difficult positions.

smith trains with team uMUfT 17022

South Africa have shown faith in the young Jean Paul Duminy who replaced Ashwell Prince on that tour after the South African vice captain broke his thumb. Now it appears there is more than just the pain of the thumb that Prince will have to bear. After working his way assiduously into this team, he will now reluctantly sit out in the twelve man squad for the first Test in Johannesburg.

Instead it is Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who did exceedingly well in the final one day international (ODI) in Australia, who occupies the final spot that will perhaps only see them serving out drinks.

Mike Procter spoke of the unfortunate fallout for Prince and rise of Tsotsobe, “It was a difficult decision. We are in the fortunate position of having seven world-class batsmen competing for six positions. It is a very healthy position for South African cricket. Ashwell is understandably bitterly disappointed but he appreciates that he has not had the opportunity to play much cricket since his injury. Tsotsobe performed very impressively from limited opportunities in Australia and he gives us extra bowling variety and depth.”

Skipper Graeme Smith, who underwent a round of injections in his right tennis elbow, is expected to return to lead the team, having recovered from his fractured left hand. He was naturally buoyant despite missing out the one day series in Australia, “The success of the Castle Test squad over the course of the past seven months in England and Australia has given us much to build on and we are all looking forward to getting back into the five-day game and the particular challenges that it poses. It will also be wonderful to be playing on our own grounds again in front of our own supporters.”

Mark Boucher is also expected to make his recovery in time for the first Test after AB was forced to keep wickets midway through the series. The line up bolstered by the likes of Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla amongst others will be once again befittingly complemented by the likes of Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel. South Africa are not going the way of Australia and have named Paul Harris as the sole spinner in the twelve man squad.

Mickey Arthur believes that motivation will not be in deficiency during the course of this series, which is like a six Test series with Australia, “The recent tour to Australia has demonstrated the depth that we have developed in both our batting and bowling departments and this augurs well for the Castle Test squad going forward into another tough series against Australia. There is also the No. 1 Reliance Mobile ICC Test ranking at stake which will make the upcoming series even more special for players and supporters.”

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