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Langeveldt lost to SA cricket
29/04/2008 22:12 - (SA)
Altus Momberg , Die Burger
Cape Town - Charl Langeveldt's career with the South African cricket team is over. The Proteas swing bowler has signed a contract with English country team Derbyshire.
Langeveldt would turn out for Derbyshire as a Kolpak player for the next two years, it was said on Monday.
To qualify as a Kolpak player, Langeveldt would have had to declare himself as a domestic player in England. He would also have had to confirm that he was no longer available to play for South Africa.
Langeveldt will still be available for the Cape Cobras next season but his decision must be regarded as a setback to the SA squad for one-day internationals.
He was expected to inform Cricket SA this week whether he would sign a contract for next season.
His decision to sign on as a Kolpak player means he has decided to turn down the possibility of a Cricket SA contract.
Langeveldt was in outstanding form during the recent Pro20 competition and would have been a major asset during the upcoming ODI series in England.
He took 18 wickets in the domestic Pro20 competition, breaking the previous record of 12. His wickets cost him an average of only 6.66 runs each and he conceded an average of only 5.21 runs per over.
His experience will be missed
Thanks to his efforts, the Cobras were undefeated during the group phase but he was less impressive in the semi-final when the Cobras went down to the Titans.
Langeveldt's experience will be missed in the national squad, particularly after the retirement of Shaun Pollock earlier this year. He could even have opened the bowling with Makhaya Ntini in one-day internationals.
His ability to swing the ball would have been particularly valuable in conditions in England.
It has been speculated that he would take the Kolpak route ever since he withdrew from the SA squad for the tour of India after a major controversy that also involved Proteas fast bowler André Nel.
Langeveldt will be 34-years-old later this year and is at the age when most players are considering their financial future.
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