stefan
International Coach
Australia in South Africa 2008-09
Petersen to lead SA President's XI
Cricinfo staff
February 17, 2009
Alviro Petersen gets a chance to impress ? Getty Images
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named Alviro Petersen as captain of a Board President's XI team that consists solely of players from the Titans, Lions and Dolphins. The unavailability of several key players due to the ongoing Standard Bank Pro20 series, the final of which clashes with the tour game, has forced the selectors to pick a weakened side to face the Australians.
CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said that due to so many players being involved in the Pro20 semi-finals, and the fact that the final was to be played on the opening day of the three-day tour game, it was not possible to name a proper A team.
"We have restricted our choice largely to players from the Highveld Lions and the Nashua Titans," said selection convener Mike Procter. "There is some very exciting young talent in this team and I am confident they will give a very good account of themselves."
The Cobras, Eagles, Warriors and Dolphins are currently locked in the semi-finals of the Pro20 tournament. CSA had released the likes of Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Neil McKenzie, Johan Botha, Herschelle Gibbs and Albie Morkel to represent their respective franchises during the ongoing series.
Apart from Peterson, the squad includes Gulam Bodi and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, both with international experience. Imraan Khan is the only player to be named from the Dolphins.
The three-day warm-up match will be played in Potchefstroom. The first Test between Australia and South Africa begins in Johannesburg three days later, on February 26.
SA President's XI: Alviro Petersen (capt), Craig Alexander, Gulam Bodi, Imraan Khan, Heino Kuhn, Ethy Mbhalati, Blake Snijman, Imran Tahir, Roelof van der Merwe, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, David Wiese.
? Cricinfo
Still a pretty strong side that's been selected. Looking forward to see how Tahir does against international players.