Kemp rewarded with contract

Justin Kemp, the hard-hitting allrounder, has been offered a national team contract by the South African board. Kemp was recently named Man of the Series in South Africa's thumping 4-0 series triumph against New Zealand and has built a reputation of being one of the hardest hitters in the game today.

Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa's CEO, made the announcement and added, "This is a natural progression following Justin's recent outstanding performances for South Africa on the international front. He has become a matchwinner as a batsman, and is more than useful as a fielder and bowler".

Haroon Lorgat, the convenor of selectors, echoed Majola's sentiments: "Justin has shown that he belongs in the international cricket arena," he said. "He has displayed confidence and maturity to go with his excellent skills, and has become part of our squad plans for the future".

Kemp has not had too much success with the bat at Test level - his three games have yielded just 18 runs - but has tasted success with the ball (eight wickets for an average of 18.87). In one-dayers, though, he has turned in some valuable performances - 736 runs at 36.80 - and it's his fantastic strike-rate of 94 that have made him an integral member of the current squad.