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CSA pick High Performance squad
16/02/2008 15:47 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Convenor Joubert Strydom and the national selectors on Saturday announced the names of the 23-member squad that will attend this year's High Performance Programme under the tutelage of general manager, Vince van der Bijl.
The players are (in alphabetical order): Ahmed Amla (Dolphins), Gulam Bodi (Titans), Loots Bosman (Eagles), Johan Botha (Warriors), Henry Davids (Cape Cobras), Dillon du Preez (Eagles), Jean-Paul Duminy (Cape Cobras), Dean Elgar (Eagles), Matthew Harris (Highveld Lions), Imraan Khan (Dolphins), Rory Kleinveldt (Cape Cobras), Heino Kuhn (Titans), Ethy Mbhalati (Titans), Albie Morkel (Titans), Justin Ontong (Highveld Lions), Alviro Petersen (Highveld Lions), Robin Peterson (Warriors), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Andrew Puttick (Cape Cobras), Blake Snijman (Highveld Lions), Thandi Tshabalala (Eagles), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Warriors) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld (Highveld Lions).
Strydom said he was happy with the quality of the players earmarked to take South African cricket forward. "Some of them have played for the country at the highest level already and they have been identified to undergo the HP training in order to ensure their talents will be developed to the full.
"Unfortunately, the busy schedule of the Proteas squad has ruled out some of the younger players currently playing for the Proteas. However, ad hoc invitations could be extended to other individuals where the camp's content
Gerald Majola, CSA CEO, said: "The recently installed HP programme has shown it is a vital conduit between franchise cricket and the Proteas.
"A number of last year's graduates from the HPP have made the jump from domestic professional cricket most successfully into international cricket.
"The franchises are to be congratulated on helping to widen the pool from which the Proteas are selected by providing most capable replacements for established players who have retired or lost form.
"The HPP has also made it possible to develop more variety into the Proteas' set-up, and this was graphically illustrated in the recent successes against Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies.
"We face a challenging season, touring India, England and Australia. The HPP squad and the programme itself will be there to provide meaningful backup in our bid to be the very best".
Vince van der Bijl said this year, the emerging players' team will again be hosted by Australia in July. "South Africa, who have won this tournament for the last two years, will be pitted against the host nation, India and New Zealand.
"We will take a team of young players predominantly from the HP squad. Also in September, Sri Lanka 'A' will tour South Africa for a series of 4-day matches and one-dayers, where the HP players will play the major role.
"Tours of this nature are an essential part of the High Performance Programme."
Van der Bijl said a broader national spinners' camp will be conducted at the University of Port Elizabeth under the national spinners co-ordinator and selector, Shafiek Abrahams. At this camp, wicketkeepers will be invited as will a wider range of talented spinners outside the HP squad.
The initial HP programme will begin with two one-week camps, starting on Monday, May 5 and Monday, June 6. There will, too, be a pre-tour emerging players' camp beginning on July 6, just prior to the Australian tour.
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