Hall the key in Northerns match-up

Gauteng allrounder Andrew Hall could be forgiven for wondering how much more he has to do to catch the eye of the national selectors after his brilliant performances at provincial level in recent weeks.

He gets another chance to display his immense talents on Wednesday when Gauteng take on near neighbours Northerns Titans in a Standard Bank Cup match at the Wanderers (4pm start).

Hall, who was picked for South Africa for the one-day series against the West Indies last summer but played just one match before picking up an injury, has been one of the kingpins of the Gauteng side this season.

He was instrumental in their victory over Border in the final of the domestic four-day competition and last week he led his side to victory over the same opposition in a limited-overs match in East London.

An incredibly clean hitter of the ball, Gauteng have used Hall at the top of the order this season and against Border he hammered a career-best 129 to set up a narrow three-run win.

His bowling has also improved this season - he has gained in pace and has proved very effective towards the end of an innings when the run chase is on - and he is a fine fielder.

Hall will again need to be at his best on Wednesday for a Gauteng side that will be without captain Clive Eksteen and Daryll Cullinan (touring India) and suspended wicketkeeper Nic Pothas.

- In Wednesday's other Standard Bank Cup match, Free State take on the unbeaten Easterns in Bloemfontein.