Harvey considering South African option

Ian Harvey, the Yorkshire and former Australia allrounder, has revealed he will consider an offer to play South African domestic cricket next summer when he receives his contract proposal this week.

Harvey's manager Tony Box confirmed negotiations with Victoria, his Australian state, had reached an impasse and that Harvey was seriously considering playing for Western Province Boland - alongside the South Africa captain Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs - after the English season.

Harvey, 33, has been offered only a 12-month contract at a reduced rate by Victoria for next season, after he had asked for a two-year deal. "The beauty about South Africa is their season corresponds with the Australian domestic season," Box told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. "It would mean Ian could continue to play English county cricket."

Harvey has played 73 ODIs for Australia, but lost his place after their brief tour of Zimbabwe in 2004. Last season, for Victoria, he scored 434 runs at 36 and took 21 wickets at 28 apiece from nine Pura Cup matches. He is currently playing for Yorkshire, and is averaging 43 with the bat and 33 with the ball in the Championship.