Nel called up to replace injured Bosman

Andre Nel, the South African fast bowler, has been called up to replace Loots Bosman in the squad for the ICC World Twenty20 that starts next week. Bosman was ruled out of the tournament after he was advised six weeks' rest due to a back injury he suffered while fielding during a match against Zimbabwe last month.

According to Joubert Strydom, convener of selectors, Nel's inclusion would strengthen the bowling line-up, which was looking "a bit under-done".

"We are well stocked in the top three batting department with five players - Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Goolam Bodi and JP Duminy - all technically equipped to deal with the new ball and having the expansive strokeplay to force the pace where necessary," Strydom said.

Denying claims that Nel's inclusion in the squad would cause a quota-imbalance, Norman Arendse, president of Cricket South Africa, said while the board aimed at having seven players of colour in the squad, this was not a binding obligation.

"Quotas are set in stone while targets are something to strive for. The selectors have convinced me that there are logical and rational cricket reasons for opting for Nel," he said. "These included an examination of strike rates, economy rates, number of wickets taken and the like of the leading candidates."

Nel will join the South African training camp in Potchefstroom as soon as possible to enable him to participate fully in the preparation phase.