SA announces squad for test series

Durban:

Prolific opener Herschelle Gibbs opted out while spinner Nicky Boje conditionally agreed to be part of the 14-member South African cricket squad named today for the two-test tour of India starting next month. The decisions of the two players put to rest speculation over whether they would tour India amidst reports that the duo could be interrogated by Delhi Police over their possible involvement in the match-fixing scandal. Gibbs declared himself unavailable for the tour while Boje said he would wait for assurance from Indian authorities that he would not be interrogated. Interestingly, Boje was named the new vice-captain of the team in place of veteran wicketkeeper Mark Boucher who was dropped alongwith four others, including Lance Klusener, who were part of the squad for the Sri Lanka series recently. If Boje decides not to go to India, Boeta Dippenaar will take over the vice-captain's role and Charl Langeveld will join the squad as an extra bowler. "Nicky has indicated to me that he is very keen to tour. But the ultimate decision must be taken by the player himself," Omar Henry, South Africa's convener of selectors, said while announcing the team. Team: Graeme Smith, Nicky Boje, Hashim Amla, Zander de Bruyn, Boeta Dippenaar, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph, Thami Tsolekile, Alfonso Thomas, Martin van Jaarsveld. (PTI)

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