JOHANNESBURG (Reuters)
A new development initiative has been set up by the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) to give young players an opportunity to face quality international opposition. The five-year plan aims to make the South African A team the country's second best team with the role of promoting players intothe national side.

Gerald Majola, UCBSA's chief executive officer, said the scheme has been approved by South Africa's Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour. The A team will now be selected on merit - the same basis as the national team - but has to field at least one coloured player in each match. The programme will begin with a tour by India to South Africa in April 2002, followed by Australia A later that year. The team will also play all visiting teams to South Africa.

"With the provincial quotas having been increased to three players of colour per province this coming season, I believe we will have enough quality players to choose from on merit for these two top national teams and yet still be representative of South African society," Majola said.

Majola added that Balfour was satisfied with the proposal. "He (Balfour) informed us of the government's policy regarding development and assured the national selectors of his continued support. He is very happy with what we are doing at the moment," said Majola.

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