Cullinan on the way back
Fakir Hassen
The Indian cricket squad that has started a tour of South Africa may well find itself facing South African batsman Daryll Cullinan in the three Tests that are part of the tour.
Cullinan, who is widely regarded as one of the best stroke players in the
world, has not played cricket since June because of a knee injury. On
Wednesday he began his road back onto the national side by signing a
contract with provincial side Highveld Strikers. He is expected to turn out
for the Strikers on October 25.
The provincial contract was an important step towards Cullinan's readmission
to the national side, as the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA)
will not grant contracts for the national team to any player without a
provincial one.
The UCBSA did not renew Cullinan's contract for the current season because
of his commitments to the English county side Kent. But Cullinan could not
turn out for Kent because of the injury and they have relieved him from his
contract with them.
The earlier tensions between the UCBSA and Cullinan seem to have eased and
he could well be back in the national squad when the teams for the Tests
against India are named.
The first Test takes place from November 3 in Bloemfontein, by which time
Cullinan is expected to be fighting fit again. His inclusion, of course,
would be subject to the UCBSA signing a contract with him.
Cullinan's contract with the UCBSA was also not renewed because he had
earlier indicated that he would be available only for Tests and not one-day
games. He has now indicated to UCBSA CEO Gerald Majola that he supported
their desire that he be available for both Tests and one-day internationals.
Cullinan said he did not believe it was those issues that were delaying the
signing of a UCBSA contract, but rather that the cricket authority was
waiting to see how his health was before concluding any agreement.
--Indo-Asian News Service
Mail Cricket Editor
