South Africa in sight for Marlborough players

Marlborough cricketers Brendon Diamanti and Ben Wheeler are in the running to take part in the high-profile Champions League Twenty20 to be held in South Africa later this year, after being named in the initial 20-man Central Districts squad earlier this month.

CD qualified for the star-studded tournament after winning the 2009-10 HRV Cup domestic Twenty20 competition, and Diamanti and Wheeler will have their fingers crossed when the final squad of 15 is named on August 10.

Diamanti was "reasonably confident" of his chances of making the cut and said he was working hard to get his bowling back to 100 per cent, which would put him in a better position to contribute as an all-rounder. His recovery was progressing quietly and he was now bowling up to eight overs at 75 per cent, which was the most he had been able to do since November-December last year.

Left-arm medium pacer Wheeler was excited by the opportunity, but was unsure of his chances of making the 15. He said it probably depended on how well he trained and performed at the squad's training camp on August 6 to 8.

Next on the agenda for Diamanti is the New Zealand A team tour to Australia beginning on August 6, in which he will play as a batsman only.

- The Marlborough Express