By Zaahier Adams
Charl Langeveldt says he has "made peace with everything" and it is a "nice feeling" to be back in a Proteas squad.
The Cape Cobras swing bowler was yesterday named in South Africa's 20-man provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament to be held in South Africa in September.
It is the first time that the 34-year-old Langeveldt has been recalled by the national selectors since dramatically withdrawing from South Africa's Test tour of India in 2008.
An emotional Langeveldt believed he was only selected ahead of the now-retired Andre Nel on the basis of his colour.
He went on to reject a Cricket South Africa contract and subsequently signed a Kolpak deal with English County Championship team Derbyshire, making himself unavailable for Proteas selection until now.
"I've made peace with everything. I've spoken to (coach) Mickey (Arthur). It's a nice feeling to be back in the squad. I'm glad the selectors haven't forgotten about me and are still keeping me in their thoughts," Langeveldt told the Cape Times on Monday.
Although Langeveldt has not been active on the international circuit since last March, he has never been far from the selectors thoughts due to his star performances for the Cobras on the domestic circuit during his self-enforced break.
He has been the leading pace bowler for two consecutive seasons in the Pro20 series, with his 16 wickets at an average of 13.31, spearheading the Cobras' charge to their maiden Pro20 title last season.
Langeveldt's exploits during the "death overs", utilising all his skills gained during his 11-year first-class career, has been nothing short of sensational, with Proteas skipper Graeme Smith often referring to him as the "best death bowler in the land".
This was underlined when he was honoured with the Pro20 Cricketer of the Year prize at the recent Cricket South Africa awards evening in Sandton.
"I think I'm a better bowler now than then. I've played a lot of county cricket and domestic cricket over the last two seasons, and it has helped.
"Often I toured with the national team in the past and never played much, so it was good to bowl lots of overs and hone my skills further," Langeveldt said.
Langeveldt, who is currently undergoing rehab for a shoulder injury he aggravated during his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders during 2009's Indian Premier League, is however under no illusions that winning back a place in the final 15-man squad, let alone the starting XI, is not a foregone conclusion.
"The shoulder is fine and rehab is going well, but the guys have done really well, especially in the last couple of months. Wayne (Parnell) and Dale (Steyn) have really performed and it's going to be tough for me to get back in the team.
"It's going to be a huge challenge and I know I can't just expect to walk back in. I have to get back in the queue," Langeveldt said.
The veteran is correct in his assessment that the Proteas are currently doing well in the death-bowling department after it was a weakness of the team for so long.
The 4-0 reverse to England in 2008 was especially disappointing and many cried out for Langeveldt's return.
The emergence of teenager Parnell has, however, been a major boost for South African cricket. Although the Proteas once again failed on the big stage in the World Twenty20 semi-final against Pakistan, the way Parnell and Steyn handled the pressure by conceding just 25 runs between them in the last five overs was impressive.
The selectors have also added Warriors pace duo Makhaya Ntini and Lonwabo Tsotsobe along with Langevedlt to compete for the fast bowling slots in the squad.
Batsmen Hashim Amla and Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who both played in South Africa's last one-day series against Australia, were also added to the 15 who did duty at the World Twenty20 Championships in England last month.
Smith will remain at the helm as his recuperation after an operation in the off-season to his injured elbow is on track. The squad will be trimmed to 15 closer to the commencement of the tournament.
SA squad
Graeme Smith (Cape Cobras, capt), Johan Botha (Warriors, vice-capt), Yusuf Abdulla (Dolphins), Hashim Amla (Dolphins), Mark Boucher (Warriors), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Cape Cobras), Jacques Kallis (Warriors), Charl Langeveldt (Cape Cobras), Albie Morkel (Titans), Morne Morkel (Titans), Makhaya Ntini (Warriors), Justin Ontong (Cape Cobras), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Robbie Peterson (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Titans), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Titans), Vaughn van Jaarsveld (Highveld Lions).