RSA_TO_ZIMBABAWE_PREVIEW_SEP1995

RSA squad to Zimbabwe.

Veteran all-rounder Adrian Kuiper has been included in South Africa`s 15-man squad to play a test and two one day internationals in Zimbabwe next month. But convenor of the national selectors Peter Pollock made it clear that Kuiper was not part of South Africa`s test plans. ``The test team will come from the 12 squad members who are contracted to the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA),`` Pollock said. ``The other three players are being taken to play in the one dayers.``

Apart from Kuiper, Free State pair Nicky Boje and Gerhardus Liebenberg have been selected as one day specialists. Pollock said that while the test was very important, the chance to blood a few players in one-day internationals before the start of the World Cup next February was a priority. ``We feel that two spinners are vital for the World Cup, one of whom must be able to bat. Boje fits that role. Liebenberg is the kind of player who can start an innings fluently and set up 60 runs from the first 15 overs.``

On the recall of Kuiper at the age of 35, Pollock said, ``Adrian has the ability to transform a game. We need a kind of pinch hitter who can score 30 runs from 20 balls at any stage and he can do that.`` Only three players contracted to the UCBSA have missed out and all of them have been invited to attend a threeday training camp before the Zimbabwe tour. They are Eastern Province paceman Brett Schultz, Western Province batsman John Commins and Transvaal spinner Clive Eksteen.

``All three will be considered for the test series against England,`` Pollock said. ``Brett Schultz in particular is a vital component of our plans to beat England. A fit and firing Schultz is a huge asset and if he comes through his first three games of the season he will play against England in the first test at Centurion Park (in November).``

Squad for test against Zimbabwe, October 13-17: Hansie Cronje (captain), Gary Kirsten, Andrew Hudson, Rudi Steyn, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Brian McMillan, Dave Richardson, Pat Symcox, Craig Matthews, Fanie de Villiers, Allan Donald. For two one-day internationals, October 21 and 22: add Gerhardus Liebenberg, Nicky Boje, Adrian Kuiper.