VAN DER MERWE ADDED TO ODI SQUAD

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA on Monday rewarded Roelof van der Merwe for his master blaster performance in the Standard Bank International Pro20 by adding him to the Standard Bank squad for the first two MTN ODIs against Australia.

The first match will be played at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday and the second at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

Van der Merwe smashed top score for the Proteas of 48 off 30 balls, ran out Callum Ferguson and then claimed the key wicket of David Hussey in a superb all-round performance.

CSA selection chief Mike Procter on Monday hailed the performances of the latest additions to the Proteas T20 squad. "Roelof, Yusuf Abdulla and Robin Peterson have all performed outstandingly from the opportunities they have been given which is extremely encouraging. It enables us to broaden the base of our playing talent and gives us some exciting options when we select the squad for the ICC World T20 in England in June.

"Roelof as an all-rounder provides us with cover for Jacques Kallis who is recovering from a groin injury. Jacques' fitness will be assessed by our medical team when the squad assembles in Durban today.

"Although he is not part of the ODI squad, Yusuf Abdulla will practise with the Proteas this week to give him another opportunity to work within the national team environment."

Michael Owen-Smith

Media Officer, Cricket South Africa