Ontong to lead SA Invitation XI
Justin Ontong of the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras will lead the South African Invitation XI to play against Pakistan in the four-day tour opener which takes place at Buffalo Park, East London, from January 25 to 28, 2013.
“We were not able to consider players from either the Nashua Titans or the bizhub Highveld Lions as they will be playing their outstanding Sunfoil Series match over the same weekend,” commented coach Vinnie Barnes, “which is why it will be a South African Invitation XI rather than South Africa A.
“It is nevertheless a very strong team drawn from the other four franchises and includes five players who have represented the Proteas across the various formats.
“We have achieved a balance between established franchise players who have been doing well in the Sunfoil Series as well as giving an opportunity to younger players who have shown promise.
“The same applies to the management team where we are creating the opportunity to experience the international environment.”
Wayne Parnell is making good progress on his rehab program and is expected to be fit in time for the game.
SA INVITATION XI: Justin Ontong (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras, capt), Kyle Abbott (Sunfoil Dolphins), Cody Chetty (Sunfoil Dolphins), Ayabulela Gqamane (Chevrolet Warriors), Simon Harmer (Chevrolet Warriors), Beuran Hendricks (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras), Davy Jacobs (Chevrolet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Andrew Puttick (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras), Vaughn van Jaarsveld (Sunfoil Dolphins), Stiaan van Zyl (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras), Dane Vilas (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras).
Management team: Coach: Vinnie Barnes; Assistant Coach: Malibongwe Maketa; Fitness trainers: Greg King and Nandile Tyali; Physiotherapist: Shaun Jankielsohn; Video analyst: Hendrikus Coertzen
