Johannesburg - Ryan McLaren will make his international debut in
the first MTN ODI against Zimbabwe to be played at Sahara
Willowmoore Park on Sunday.
The Proteas' starting XI also features the recall of swing
bowler Charl Langeveldt from the Cape Cobras and batsman Alviro
Petersen from the Highveld Lions.
None of these three players were involved in the recent ICC
Champions Trophy tournament. Petersen and Langeveldt last played
for the Proteas in the ODI series in Bangladesh last year.
The 26-year-old McLaren, an all-rounder from the Eagles
franchise, was originally scheduled to make his debut last year in
the ODI series against Kenya and Bangladesh, but had to withdraw
because of his commitments to England county Kent.
He became available for the Proteas from October 1 this year. He
previously represented South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup in
New Zealand in 2002 when his team-mates included Hashim Amla and
Imraan Khan.
"It is a dream come true," commented an excited
McLaren.
"It has been a long process to get there and I am really
looking forward to this opportunity. It is lovely to be part of the
team and I hope to contribute in as many areas as
possible."
McLaren comes from a well-known cricketing family. Both his
father, Paul, and uncle, Keith, played first-class cricket for
Griquas. He is a product of Bloemfontein's Grey College where
he was head boy in his final year.
JP Duminy has picked up a minor shin injury and was not
considered for selection nor were Jacques Kallis and Wayne Parnell
who are still recuperating from side and ankle injuries
respectively.
Proteas ODI XI:
Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Mark
Boucher, Alviro Petersen, Albie Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Johan Botha,
Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Charl Langeveldt. 12th man: Roelof
van der Merwe
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