Kieswetter pledges future to England

Craig Kieswetter, Somerset's wicketkeeper-bataman has pledged his future to England despite appearing for his native South Africa Under-19 at the World Cup last year. Kieswetter, whose mother is Scottish, holds a British passport and will qualify for England through living there for four years.

The talented player, who made his senior debut this summer, is on part of the National Academy skills set, which he will attend this winter.

Kieswetter started the 2007 season playing for Somerset 2nd XI, but after some impressive early form, soon forced his way into the senior side and helped them to promotion to the Championship top flight.

"I want to make it in first class cricket and eventually go on and play for England," he told the Somerset County Gazette. "I have to say that I was a bit surprised to get invited [to the Academy] after just one season in the game over here.

"I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and thrilled to think I have been noticed."