Hayward added to South African one-day squad

Aggressive Eastern Province fast bowler Nantie Hayward has been added to the South African squad for the Standard Bank One-Day International against India in East London on Friday, bringing the total number in the home party to 15.

It is understood that national selectors will meet again in East London to reassess their squad, at which point the numbers of travelling players may be trimmed.

Hayward's selection as a one-day bowler will raise some eyebrows. Although he is among the quickest bowlers operating South Africa and highly-regarded by his peers for his attitude towards batsmen, there is a school of thought, which includes former South African captain Kepler Wessels, which holds that the restrictions of limited overs cricket, particularly those regarding wide balls, could count against him.

Beset by personal problems last summer, Hayward had a difficult time of it, but it now seems that he has sorted out his private life and on the evidence of his first-class efforts this summer it appears that he has regained his control.

Quite why the selectors have chosen to expand their squad once again is not entirely clear, but if Hayward does play on Friday - and there seems no reason to bring him into the squad if the intention is not play him - then close attention will be paid to his bowling.

The new squad: Shaun Pollock (capt), Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Kemp, Nicky Boje, Boeta Dippenaar, Charl Langveldt, Nantie Hayward.