Border announce 2003-04 squad

The Border Cricket Board today announced their squad for the 2003/4 season.

Although there are no major surprises, the cricket authorities should be congratulated for managing to lure Charl Langeveldt from the Boland as a replacement for Vasbert Drakes. Langeveldt is a quality bowler who was selected in the World Cup squad and has been on the fringes of the national team for two or three seasons. Border's record of producing fast bowlers such as Makhaya Ntini and Monde Zondeki was no doubt a factor Langeveldt took into account when deciding to move up the coast.

Two newcomers to the contracted ranks are Abongile Sodumo and Andrew Pringle. Neither are surprises as both players performed admirably last season, when given the opportunity.

At full strength Border have an embarrassment of fast bowling riches with Ntini, Zondeki, Langeveldt, Pringle, Henderson and Liam Graham to call on. This scenario is unlikely to occur too often however, as at least two Bears' bowlers should be on national duty throughout most of next season. The spinning department will be left to the experienced Pieter Strydom in tandem with a more youthful but equally talented leg spinner, Warwick Hinkel.

The batting line up too, is an encouraging blend of youth and experience. The younger Gamiet, de Wett, Bennett, Kreusch, Hinkel and Maketa will benefit from the sharing the same stage as Bruyns, Sugden, Pope and Strydom. Unfortunately the stage is too small for all of them at once and the inenviable task awaiting the selectors next season of course, is who to leave out.

With wicketkeepers Sodumo and Nelani completing what appears to be highly competitive squad, captain-in-waiting Justin Kreusch can sleep soundly this winter as he contemplates the new season's campaign. The future looks bright indeed.

The 2003/4 Border Bears contracted squad is:

Justin Kreusch (captain), Laden Gamiet (vice captain), Bevan Bennett, Mark Bruyns, Burton de Wett, Liam Graham, Tyron Henderson, Warwick Hinkel, Charl Langeveldt, Malibongwe Maketa, Siyabulela Nelani, Steven Pope, Andrew Pringle, Abongile Sodumo, Pieter Strydom, Craig Sugden, Monde Zondeki.