'I want to get back into the national side' - Kruger

Garnett Kruger, the South African fast bowling aspirant, has set himself one goal for the new season: to make it back to the national side. Kruger toured Australia last year, after an excellent start to the domestic season, but found playing time hard to come by despite the injuries that hit South Africa.

Speaking to The Star, a South African daily, a disappointed Kruger looked back at the time as a missed opportunity of sorts. "I should've played in Australia, when there were a few injuries, and that set me back a bit," he said. "I felt that they didn't have faith in me to play Test cricket. I've been playing for a long time, I think they have been a bit harsh with me."

However, he had strong ambitions of using the upcoming season as the platform for a recall. "A few of the guys want to do well - like myself and Neil McKenzie," he admitted. "We want to push to get back into the South African side again." The Highveld Lions, Kruger's domestic team, begin their MTN Domestic Championship campaign against old rivals Eagles at the Wanderers on Sunday.

Kruger was part of the Lion's 223-run loss to South Africa in a 50-over clash on Friday. He finished with one for 40 from his ten overs.