South Africa A team to face England announced

Five former Test players have been included in the South Africa A team for their three-day match against England which starts in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

HD Ackerman, Mark Boucher, Justin Ontong, Martin van Jaarsveld and Charl Willoughby have the chance to stake their claim for future Test selection, and Ackerman will lead a side which also includes some younger players. "He has vast experience as a captain and has been in fine form with the bat," explained one of the selectors, Haroon Lorgat.

Boucher has the opportunity to make a strong case for a return to the Test fold, and has already received the backing of Ray Jennings, the South African coach. "I don't really know why he was taken out of the equation, but I think he's paid his dues and I think he will definitely be back in contention for the national team," Jennings told the SuperSport website.

Boucher was left out of the South African team that toured India in November. His replacement, Thami Tsolekile, hardly distinguished himself, although he has been named in the squad for the first Test against England which starts on December 17.

Van Jaarsveld and Ontong each played one Test during the recent two-match series in India but did not distinguish themselves. Van Jaarsveld, a top order batsman, scored a total of 15 in his two innings in the first Test, while Ontong picked up one wicket in the second Test. Langeveldt, meanwhile, was selected for the Indian tour but withdrew through injury.

Squad HD Ackerman (capt), Justin Ontong (vice-capt), Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Charl Langeveldt, Ethy Mbhalati, Alsbie Morkel, Andrew Puttick, Alfonso Thomas, Martin van Jaarsveld, Charl Willoughby. Coach: Vincent Barnes.