Cullinan named in provisional SA squad

South African batsman Daryll Cullinan, who refused to play for the Test side earlier this year but later apologised, was on Saturday named in a provisional 30-man squad for the 2003 World Cup.

"If we look at his overall contribution whether it be one day cricket or Test cricket I think Daryll is an important player and we can utilise him," Omar Henry, convenor of selectors said.

"It's just a case of him scoring runs and hopefully he will be in the frame.

"Anybody that can stand up and apologise has to be complimented and we have brought him into the fold to assist him further and now it's up to him to perform."

Cullinan withdrew from the side before the second Test against Australia in March because of a contractual dispute.

But he made a public apology and said he was ready to play a role in South Africa cricket in whatever capacity the authorities saw fit.

Captain Shaun Pollock welcomed Cullinan's selection.

"Daryll is a class player and I think his record speaks for itself," Pollock said.

"There are few better players in this country when he is firing so it's just a matter of him getting there and we believe he can win games for South Africa.

"In a team situation there are no issues that are bigger than the actual game and if the guy is talented enough and is a performer for you, we can deal with anything else.

"I know there has been a lot made of issues real or perceived but as a team you have got to pick the best eleven that are capable of winning games for South Africa and if that person fits in we can deal with what else goes with it."

Squad: Shaun Pollock, Nicky Boje, Loots Bosman, Mark Boucher, Daryll Cullinan, Alan Dawson, Boeta Dippenaar, Steve Elworthy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Mornantau Hayward, Jacques Kallis, Lance Klusener, Gary Kirsten, Charl Langeveldt, Neil McKenzie, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Robin Peterson, Ashwell Prince, Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Rudolph, Errol Stewart, Graeme Smith, David Terbrugge, Roger Telemachus, Thami Tsolekile, Martin van Jaarsveld, Mondi Zondeki.