Botha to lead Emerging Players squad

Johan Botha, the South African offspinner, has been appointed captain of the 14-member South African Emerging Players squad for the tour of Australia in July. The four-nations tournament also features teams from hosts Australia, India and New Zealand, with Brisbane hosting all matches. Botha was recently cleared by the ICC after being reported for a suspect bowling action.

The teams will compete in a series of three Pro20 matches and seven one-day internationals in a round-robin format. South Africa were the champions from last year's edition, with Robin Peterson playing a blinder of a knock to guide his side home in a thriller. Vincent van der Bijl, Cricket South Africa's High Performance Programme Manager, was hopeful of a repeat performance.

"We are very excited to be invited back and have the opportunity to retain the Emerging Players' Trophy won last year, when Robin Peterson hit the last ball of the final for four," van der Bijl said. "For these young players to play at a top-class international opportunity in Australia is perfect to test the skill and resolve of these 'would be' Protea players. This side is brimful of exciting talent and will be given the perfect opportunity to enhance their future prospects."

The South Africans open their tour with a Pro20 game on July 16 against Australia's Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence.

Squad Johan Botha (capt), Thami Tsolekile (vice-capt), Yusuf Abdullah, Gulam Bodi ,Friedel de Wet, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Heino Kuhn, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Vernon Philander, Thandi Tshabalala, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Monde Zondeki