Peterson primed for action

13 February 2008

Paul Harris has been sidelined for three weeks © Getty Images

Left-arm orthodox spin bowler Robin Peterson has been called up as a replacement for Paul Harris in the South Africa Test squad which left for Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Harris is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks after undergoing surgery for an abscess, prompting the selectors to reward Peterson for his fine domestic form with a call-up.

“Robbie has shown excellent form in the SuperSport Series competition,” said selection convener Joubert Strydom.

“He was the leading wicket-taker among South African spin bowlers with 24 wickets with the only spin bowler to do better being Imran Tahir of Pakistan and the Nashua Titans who claimed 31 dismissals.

“It is also important to maintain consistency in selection. Robbie and Johan Botha were our two spin bowlers in the South African A side that played the West Indies, so we have the same combination again.

“It is also important to have the variety offered by having a left-hander and a right-hander in our spin attack.”

Peterson is expected to leave for Bangladesh later this week along with batsman Neil McKenzie, whose departure was delayed for personal reasons.

The first of two Tests on the tour gets under way in Mirpur on February 22.