Langeveldt in Champions Trophy provisional squad

Fast bowler Charl Langeveldt has been named in South Africa's provisional 20-member squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in September, marking his comeback to international cricket after more than a year. His last ODI was against Bangladesh in Dhaka back in March last year.

Langeveldt had withdrawn from the 2008 tour of India after being upset by the controversy surrounding his selection. His inclusion ahead of Andre Nel was seen by many as pandering to Cricket South Africa's transformation policy. In April 2008, he signed a two-year contract with Derbyshire as a Kolpak player and the doubts over his international future increased after this decision. However, he was happy to return to the international fold and was ready to put the past behind him.

"I've made peace with everything. I've spoken to [coach] Mickey [Arthur]. It's a nice feeling to be back in the squad. I'm glad the selectors haven't forgotten about me and are still keeping me in their thoughts," he told the Cape Times on Monday.

The fast bowler has been successful in domestic cricket during the period of his self exile, picking up regular wickets for the Cape Cobras. He also was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the second edition of the IPL held in South africa. "I think I'm a better bowler now than then. I've played a lot of county cricket and domestic cricket over the last two seasons, and it has helped."

Mike Procter, South Africa's chief selector, was pleased with the look of the squad and believed it would be quite difficult to reduce it to the final 15. He was slightly wary about the numerous injuries in the squad, which comprised all 15 players from the World Twenty20.

"Charl Langeveldt is no longer a Kolpak player and is again available for selection," Procter said. "He has recently undergone shoulder surgery and we will have to see how well he comes through that.

"The news on Graeme Smith's elbow surgery is extremely positive at this stage while Lonwabo Tsotsobe has made a good recovery from the knee surgery he had earlier in the year. We will be able to monitor his form as well as that of Vaughn van Jaarsveld on the Emerging Tour of Australia later this month."

"Hashim Amla, Herschelle Gibbs and Wayne Parnell are all playing county cricket at present but will return home in good time to prepare for the tournament."

Provisional squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Johan Botha, Yusuf Abdulla, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt , Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robbie Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Roelof van der Merwe, Vaughn van Jaarsveld