Andre Nel signs for Northamptonshire

Easterns fast bowler Andre Nel has ensured that his new contract with English county Northamptonshire enables him to represent both South Africa A and South Africa should he be selected for these squads.

Nel met UCB CEO Gerald Majola this morning and confirmed he had ensured his county contract contained a "get-out" clause to free him up to play for his country. South Africa A have a tour of Australia scheduled in April and South Africa are due to tour England in June.

"I am really looking forward to playing County cricket and to learning from Kepler Wessels, who will be coaching there," said Nel after the meeting. "County cricket is a huge challenge - you are playing against some of the best professionals in the world. Hopefully, the experience in England will also help me if I am selected for the South African tour there," he added.

For his part, UCB CEO Gerald Majola was impressed with the manner in which Nel had handled his county contract. "He has kept me informed and has ensured that he is available for both South Africa A and South Africa. It is obvious to me from his actions that playing for his country remains a priority for Andre," Majola said.

Nel's county contract is for the English summer of 2003, from 1 March to 26 September, with a possibility of renewal for another year. He will return to South Africa for the 2003/4 season.