Gibbs and Boje dropped 01 Nov 2005 By: Alex Crampton

Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje have been dropped for the last 2 ODI's against New Zealand. The pair withdrew from the India tour due to Indian police wishing to speak to them over match fixing allegations.

They have been replaced by seam-bowling all rounders Andrew Hall and Albie Morkel in a 13-man squad already missing Boeta Dippenaar through injury. Haroon Lorgat, South Africa's convenor of selectors explained the decision. 'It's rather unfortunate, but we needed to face reality, make the tough decisions and look ahead at our tour of India. Ideally we need to slot in our replacements now, re-define roles in the absence of the two established players, and ready ourselves for India.'

With South Africa looking for a whitewash against New Zealand, Gibbs and Boje will be sorely missed, with Gbbs being one of the best batsmen and the best fielder in the side and with Boje the sole spinner.

South African squad for last 2 ODIs
Graeme Smith (capt), Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph.