Mpitsang mystery injury as Sri Lanka A reinforcements arrive

Corrie van Zyl has been quick to squash suggestions Free State fast bowler Victor Mpitsang may need a fitness test in Centurion today or tomorrow as the South Africa A side prepare for the first of two matches against the touring Sri Lanka A side.

Mpitsang bowled without any apparent discomfort for Free State in their Pool B game against North West in Potchefstroom at the weekend but rumours were still circulating yesterday that the 19-year-old who played a limited-overs international against the West Indies in Bloemfontein last season.

``It is news to me,'' said Van Zyl the South African A team coach, with Vincent Barnes, yesterday. ``He had no problems over the weekend, so Iam not sure where it comes from.''

Van Zyl, also Free States director of coaching, said Mpitsang had been rested as a precautionary move after a groin strain scare against England XI in the Randjesfontein frolic involving the tourists last week.

More on the Mpitsang saga will be leant tomorrow afternoon when the SA A players turn up in Centurion foe an afternoon practice session.

Sri Lanka A, however, are to have a change of management with Brendon Kuruppu arriving to take over from Stanley Jayasinghe who has been promoted to the senior side now in Zimbabwe.

Kuruppu, a former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper and now a national selector, arrived in South Africa at the weekend with three replacements for Tillekeratne Dilshan and Indika de Saram who have joined the senior side in Bulawayo where their tour started on Sunday with one of two warm up games.

Former Test players Lanka Silva and Dulip Samaraweera and opening batsman Upeka Fernando, who played against the South Africa A team during last years tour of the island, are the replacements.