No overseas pro for Natal

THE Natal Cricket Union (NCU) decided at an executive meeting in Durban on Monday night not to sign an overseas professional for the coming season, putting paid to suggestions Zimbabwe star Neil Johnson may return to his long-time province.

Cassim Docrat, the chief executive officer of the NCU, told the Witness last night that it has been decided to pursue a policy of developing local talent, there being "no very strong candidates" to sign as a professional.

Natal's main problem last season was a lack of firepower in the bowling attack, but despite a R2 million cash injection from SuperSport, they will go into the new season with the same personnel.

Johnson has developed into a top-class batsman for Zimbabwe since leaving Natal two seasons ago to pursue his international dream, but regular trips back to South Africa have suggested all is not well with his relationship with his adopted country.

The former Howick schoolboy would have tremendous value as a limited-overs all-rounder, but his medium-pace bowling is not of the match-winning variety for first-class cricket.

Natal are believed to have tried to hammer out a deal with Griquas opening bowler Ottis Gibson, but they were uncertain the 31-year-old West Indian would be an effective match-winner.

Natal's cricketing depth has also been lessened by the exodus of spinner Craig Tatton to Griquas and top-order batsman Craig Sugden back to Border, while other provinces are believed to have expressed an interest in signing off-spinner Robbie Macqueen.