Cullinan back in SA team

Experienced batsman Daryll Cullinan was recalled to the South African one-day team on Saturday following their defeat by India in the International Cricket Council knockout tournament semi-final in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday.

Selection convenor Rushdi Magiet acknowledged there is a problem with the South African top order and said he hoped Cullinan, 33, would bring about an improvement in a six-match home series against New Zealand which starts in Potchefstroom on Friday.

The squad for the first three matches was announced on Saturday, with the second game in Benoni on October 22 and the third at Centurion on October 25.

Cullinan replaces Neil McKenzie in the only change from the 14-man squad that went to Kenya.

Uncapped offspinner Shafiek Abrahams, 32, keeps his place and Magiet said he was likely to play in at least one of the first three matches.

"We are looking ahead to the 2003 World Cup and I am in favour of a rotation system to ensure we have a pool of players who have had exposure to international cricket," he said.

The squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Mark Boucher (vice-captain), Shafiek Abrahams, Nicky Boje, Daryll Cullinan, Boeta Dippenaar, Allan Donald, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Lance Klusener, Makhaya Ntini, Jonty Rhodes, Roger Telemachus. Manager, Goolam Rajah; Coach, Graham Ford.

Mail Cricket Editor