Jacques Rudolph has been named Glamorgan’s captain, the ECB have released the fixtures for South Africa’s tour in 2017 and Riki Wessels joins the Sydney Sixers.

Rudolph named Glamorgan captain

South African batsman Jacques Rudolph, who has not played international cricket since November 2012, has been named Glamorgan captain. Rudolph scored almost 2,000 runs for the county in 2014, winning the club’s List A Player of the Year award.

‘I’m very honoured and privileged to accept the invitation to lead Glamorgan. I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with in Wales, but next year is a new challenge and following a number of changes I’m really looking forward to some exciting times ahead,’ said Rudolph.

‘There were some encouraging signs last season, especially as we came within one run of reaching Twenty20 finals day, but I’ve always set myself very high standards and I want to rectify a few things from 2014, especially in four-day cricket, as I feel we are a better team than what our final league position suggests.’

Windies lose Fudadin too

Batsman Assad Fudadin has been ruled out of the West Indies’ ongoing Test series against South Africa by a finger injury.

Fudadin was not in the squad originally, but was named as a late replacement for the left-handed Darren Bravo, who withdrew due to personal reasons.

The Windies are also without the injured Chris Gayle.

The series opener is currently underway in Centurion. Port Elizabeth and Cape Town will host Tests two and three respectively.

England announce home fixtures against Proteas

The ECB have announced the venues for England’s major home fixtures over the next five years. It’s the largest number of games allocated at the same time by the ECB and includes South Africa’s tour in 2017.

The Proteas will play four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in the UK. The four Test venues are Lord’s, Old Trafford, The Oval and Trent Bridge. Lord’s will also host an ODI along with Chester-le-Street and Headingley, while Cardiff, the Ageas Bowl and Taunton will stage the T20Is.

Wessels joins Big Bash

Riki Wessels, son of former Proteas captain Kepler, will replace Dwayne Smith at the Sydney Sixers after the West Indian pulled out of the tournament due to personal issues.

‘While we were aware of Dwayne’s personal issues we received assurances from his management that he would be available for this season with the Sixers,’ said Sixers General Manager Dom Remond.

‘Unfortunately Dwayne has had a relapse of his condition that means he is unable to join us and we wish him the best with his recovery.

‘We are very excited that a player of Riki’s calibre was available at such short notice and we are looking forward to his arrival. He plays County with Michael Lumb and we know he’ll fit in perfectly with our squad.’

Photo: Backpagepix