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Nel shuns award and media
12/03/2008 22:13 - (SA)
Johann de Jager
Dhaka - André Nel, dropped from South Africa's Test squad, may now have to explain why he failed to turn up to receive his man-of-the-match award after the one-day international against Bangladesh here on Wednesday.
The fiery fast bowler, who took 4-27 in South Africa's seven-wicket victory, also did not attend the media conference after the match.
Nel, 30, was informed on the eve of the second of three ODIs that he had been dropped from the Test squad to leave for India later this month.
There were rumours that he may withdraw from Wednesday's match but he decided to play and took wickets in his first, second and fourth overs.
Charl Langeveldt, who had been selected to take Nel's place for the tour of India, took 3-31.
Now it seems Nel may be in trouble for not turning up to accept his cheque and the trophy for being man of the match and for missing the news conference.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith received the cheque and the trophy on Nel's behalf and answered questions from journalists.
'Better to leave him alone'
The captain said Nel had had a difficult 24 hours and it would be better to leave him alone for a while.
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur was given the job of informing Nel on Tuesday evening that he had not been selected for the tour of India.
The team had been leaked to the media and the team management did not want Nel to hear the news from journalists.
Arthur went to Nel's hotel room to tell him the news. It has been said that Nel was extremely upset and expressed his feelings in no unclear terms.
Asked whether Nel wanted to withdraw from Wednesday's match, Smith said the bowler had been emotional and upset.
"We were all emotional; not only Nella. I don't think everyone slept as well as we would have liked to before a match," Smith said, adding that Nel himself had decided to play.
Team manager Logan Naidoo said they had left the decision to Nel. "He then proved to us what a great player he is."
Naidoo indirectly admitted that Nel was the victim of transformation. "We have to try to select a team that can be the best in the world but we must, at the same time, look at transformation targets."
It has been rumoured that Nel may now turn his back on SA cricket and that he has received offers from abroad.
"I hope he does not make any hasty decisions," Naidoo said. "The coach, the captain and all the senior people are talking to him. I am certain he will remain part of SA cricket."
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