Johannesburg – Four new players have been handed national contracts by Cricket South Africa (CSA), after a list of 21 players for the 2013/14 season was announced on Tuesday.
Batsman Dean Elgar, seam bowlers Rory Kleinveldt and Marchant de Lange, and spinner Aaron Phangiso were all given contracts for the first time, while all-rounder Ryan McLaren was re-awarded a contract after missing out for the past 12 months.
National convenor of selectors Andrew Hudson said the decision to hand out four new contracts was based on some outstanding performances.
“The newcomers to the list are all merited,” Hudson said.
“Dean Elgar has established himself in the Test squad while Rory Kleinveldt has done well across all three formats.
“Marchant de Lange was the first reserve for the Test squad until his unfortunate long-term injury and it is great to have him back operating at full pace.
“Aaron Phangiso has done really well at franchise level and has grabbed the opportunities he has had for the Proteas in the two limited overs formats.
“Ryan McLaren has come back very strongly this season and, like Kleinveldt, has featured across the formats.”
Hudson added that he was excited to have the players on the CSA payroll for the next year.
“This is a very strong group of core players which combines youth and experience across the three formats.
“There is no doubt that this group of talented cricketers will continue to successfully represent us on the international stage.”
Meanwhile, five players – retired wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, batsmen Ashwell Prince and Jacques Rudolph, pace bowler Rusty Theron and all-rounder Albie Morkel – did not have their contracts renewed, while spinner Johan Botha was released from his contract at his own request after last year's ICC World Twenty20.
The new contracts run from May 1 to April 30 next year.
CSA contracted squad: Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras), AB de Villiers (Titans), Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Marchant de Lange (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Dean Elgar (Chevrolet Knights), Imran Tahir (Highveld Lions), Colin Ingram (Warriors), Jacques Kallis (Cape Cobras), Rory Kleinveldt (Cape Cobras), Ryan McLaren (Knights), Morne Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Alviro Petersen (Highveld Lions), Robin Peterson (Cape Cobras), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Thami Tsolekile (Highveld Lions), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Dolphins). – Sapa