Gibbs in Champions Trophy probables

New Delhi: Out of favour from the Test arena, South African star batsman Herschelle Gibbs was on Wednesday named in the list of 30 probables for the forthcoming Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

Gibbs, 34, finds his name in the list amid reports that he was thinking of signing up with Glamorgan as a Kolpak player, thus effectively ending his association with South African cricket. There were also reports of him contemplating retirement from Test cricket.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Charl Langeveldt, who was in the centre of a selection storm ahead of a tour to India earlier this year, was the only surprise omission from the list of probables.

Four uncapped players also figured in the squad which will be cut down to 15 ahead of the eight-nation tournament. Left-arm medium pacer Yusuf Abdullah, all-rounders Rory Kleinveldt and Johann Louw, and pacer Ethy Mbhalati were all first-time inclusions in a South African national squad.

Cricket South Africa's convenor of selectors Joubert Strydom highlighted their exceptional performances behind their inclusion in the 30-member side, although they had limited chances of sealing a spot in the final 15.

“They are all players who have done well in domestic cricket in both forms of the limited overs game,” Strydom said, adding: "they are talents we have identified who will play important roles in South African cricket going forward.

“The rest of the squad is made up of tried and tested players who have represented South Africa with distinction over the past year. We have every confidence in them to bring a major ICC trophy home.”

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