Steyn joins Rindel as day/night opener

Centurion: Rudolf Steyn, known for his top-order reliability as much as his fielding expertise, has been entrusted with one of the more crucial roles in the Northerns limited-overs side when the day/night series starts today.

Steyn was always going to be a strong contender to replace Roy Pienaar as Mike Rindel partner in the Standard Bank line up when Northerns meet Eastern Province at SuperSport Park and the coach, Peter Kirsten, had no doubt been thinking along those lines as well.

Kirsten on Tuesday held over his final assessment of the side but it had been obvious from his one performance for the Northerns B side in a recent limited-overs match that the 38-year-old veteran Pienaar, still a graceful strokeplayer, would battle to hold down a place in the Titans team when it came to the short game.

It was a sad moment for the former teammates when Kirsten who played with Pienaar during their days with Western Province, announced the final 12 which has Pierre Joubert handling the 12th man duties and Dirkie de Vos back in the team.

As Kirsten admitted, however, he had to retain as much of the limited-overs side as possible which had seen Northerns win two trophies since its inception four seasons ago and to stay ahead of the rest of the pack you need to make tough decisions.

``We have worked hard on our preparation and I am pleased with the way those involved have come through,'' he said. ``Trying to keep the balance and faith with those who have done so well at limited-overs level has been important. We did not want to make too many changes to the side and I am happy with what we have achieved,'' Kirsten added.

A shrewd man who with the Titans skipper Mark Davis, has seen the record stretch to 31 victories out of 39 matches, Kirsten has a keen sense of understanding when it comes to strengthen areas in the side.

Steyn partnership with Rindel is one of them. It is an interesting combination and in keeping with the right-hand/left-hand policy established four summers ago and which saw Northerns emerge as a force. With Neil McKenzie back in the side at three, Northerns have a strong top trio and the need to dominate all important in the short game.

It has been McKenzie success at three which has aided their cause in the A Section and his input is as crucial as the openers in building a competitive total or chasing a target. Northerns have also selected a squad which is adaptable to the short format: the mix match policy which has been so successful.

Eastern Province no doubt arrive full of confidence but with key all-rounder Justin Kemp injured, the balance of the team could be affected. Much interest is going to surround the appearance of Mornantau Hayward, included in the South African squad for the second test against England next week.

For those who failed to turn up to watch his demolition job on Sri Lanka A earlier this month will see a major improvement in the young man bowling; a pity about his hair though.

Northerns: Rudolf Steyn, Mike Rindel, Neil McKenzie, Martin van Jaarsveld, Gerald Dros, Dirkie de Vos, Mpho Pedi, Steve Elworthy, Mark Davis (capt), Greg Smith, Rudi Bryson. Twelfth man: Pierre Joubert.

Eastern Province (from): Mark Rushmere (capt), Carl Bradfield, Mark Benfield, James Bryant, Dave Callaghan, Robin Peterson, Murray Creed, Shafiek Abrahams, Garnet Kruger, Wayne Murray, Meyrick Pringle, Mornantau Hayward. Umpires: Dave Orchard and Barry Lambson; TV umpire: Johan Cloete