Inexperienced line-up for England warm-up

An inexperienced South African Invitational XI will take on England in two two-day fixtures at East London ahead of the Test series next month. Wendell Bossenger, the Griqualand West and Eagles wicketkeeper-batsman who was named one of South Africa's five cricketers of the year, will lead the squad that includes seven Under-19 players.

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) once again presents an ideal opportunity to aspiring young talented players to experience some of the intensity of cricket at the highest level," Max Jordaan, CSA's senior amateur cricket manager, said. "The chance to play against England on the crest of their cricket after their recent success in the Ashes series, should be a dream occasion for any young player. Chances are that some of them could impress favourably on this occasion."

"This is a young inexperienced but talented team, most of them fresh from the academy and U-19 talent acceleration programme. The very nature of cricket is its unpredictability. The talent of the eager young men and youthful exuberance could present some excitement in East London."

With two separate matches being played it means England will be able to give all their squad a run-out before the Test series begins at Centurion on December 16. Ian Bell, Ryan Sidebottom and Steven Davies have recently flown out to South Africa and will join up with the squad after the one-day series. The two fixtures at East London will be especially important for Bell and Sidebottom as they push for a Test place.

SA Invitational Squad Wendell Bossenger (capt), Andrea Agathagelou, Roy Adams, Temba Bavuma, Keegan Eccles, Pumelela Matshikwe, Mangaliso Mosehle, Ayavuya Myoli, Siyamthanda Ntshona, Blake Snijman, Yaseen Vallie, Piet van Niekerk, Divan van Wyk, David Wiese