There were some surprises in the four national cricket squads announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday, with stalwart Makhaya Ntini out of the One-Day International and Twenty20 squads, and fast bowler André Nel not included in any of the four teams.

However, the acting Convenor of Selectors, CSA Chief Executive Gerald Majola, named two new caps for the ODI team — Diamond Eagles and Kent all-rounder Ryan McLaren and Cape Cobras all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt.

McLaren's position in the team is dependent on his being released from his contract with English county Kent, but Proteas coach Mickey Arthur said he did not anticipate any problems.

Arthur said Ntini had been left out of the ODI and T20 because it was necessary to protect his career in the Test team going forward.

"He is going to play a really important role in the Test team in Australia and we need to keep him fresh and fit," said Arthur.

"Also, we are starting to prepare for the World Cup in the sub-continent in 2011, and we need to start preparring young bowlers for that. We can't afford to take rookies to the World Cup."

Majola said he did not expect any political fallout from Ntini's omission from the ODI and T20 squads.

"As Mickey said, we have to protect him, but that doesn't mean that he won't play a part in the ODI team in the future," said the CSA CEO.

"Makhaya always bounces back. I don't expect any political fallout because we have selected the right team for the job."

Regarding Nel's position, Arthur said there was a position up for grabs in the squad to travel to Australia.

"We have named a 13-man squad for the two Tests against Bangladesh, but we will be taking a 14-man squad to Australia," explained the Proteas coach.

"We might decide to take another fast bowler, or else we will take an all-rounder. We still have to decide on that. So André is not out of the reckoning at all, and Ryan McLaren also has a chance to be part of the Test squad for Australia."

Two other senior players, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis, were not included in the T20 squad, but Arthur said this did not mean that they would not play in future T20 matches.

"It's a case of managing the players," he said. "We have a heavy schedule, and we need to protect them."

Veteran batsman Herschelle Gibbs was included in the one-day team, despite a disappointing performance in the recent tour of England.

"Herschelle still has that X-factor," said Arthur. "He still has the ability to win matches for us. We usually win if Herschelle does well."

Arthur said most of the team had recovered from injuries picked up on the tour of England. Captain Graeme Smith, who returned early because of an elbow injury, was making good progress, and was expected to be fit to play against Bangladesh.

Squads:

Castle Test squad (to play two Tests against Bangladesh):
Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, captain), Ashwell Prince (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-captain), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Neil McKenzie (bizhub Highveld Lions), Morné Morkel (Nashua Titans), Makhaya Ntini (Chevrolet Warriors), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Monde Zondeki (Nashua Cape Cobras).

Standard Bank ODI squad (to play two ODIs against Kenya and three against Bangladesh):
Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, captain), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-captain), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Ryan McLaren (Gestetner Diamond Eagles), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morné Morkel (Nashua Titans), Justin Ontong (Nashua Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Monde Zondeki (Nashua Cape Cobras).

Standard Bank International Pro20 squad (for one-off match against Bangladesh):
Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, captain), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors, vice-captain), Loots Bosman (Gestetner Diamond Eagles), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Rory Kleinveldt (Nashua Cape Cobras), Ryan McLaren (Gestetner Diamond Eagles), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morné Morkel (Nashua Titans), Justin Ontong (Nashua Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans).

CSA squad for Hong Kong tournament (8 and 9 November):
Tyron Henderson (Cape Cobras, captain), Gulam Bodi (Titans), Loots Bosman (Diamond Eagles), Alan Kruger (Diamond Eagles), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Jon-Jon Smuts (Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Titans).

Sapa

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