The end for Langeveldt?

News that Charl Langeveldt is in the South African provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy came as something of a surprise, but rumours have abounded that this was on the cards in recent months.

If he plays it will mean the end of his Derbyshire career after one season and I'm sure I was not alone in thinking that when Charl didn't return this year we were unlikely to see him again.

Given the depth of South African seam bowling resources, it would appear unlikely that such a recall would come the way of Nantie Hayward. Langeveldt is a fine bowler, but especially in the one day game. Hayward's forte is probably in "proper" cricket, when he can have the slip fielders that a bowler of his pace needs to succeed. That's not to decry his ability in the one day game, where he has played with a great deal of success, but Hayward is a good bowler. Importantly he is currently a Derbyshire bowler. No one knows how the Kolpak regulations will be tightened later in the year and how it will impact on Wavell Hinds and Hayward, but I would hope that should the opportunity to return present itself, Hayward would show a little loyalty to the side that have given him an opportunity this year.

These changes should not, however, affect the likes of Garry Park, Greg Smith, Tim Groenewald and Wayne Madsen (should he be signed). The first three have, I believe, a British passport while Madsen could play on his EU (Italian) passport on mobility of labour regulations (as does Michael di Venuto).

Should Langeveldt remain in South Africa he will be remembered as a very fine bowler, possessing stamina, guile and an abundance of skill. Not quite a legend - you need more than a good season to earn that in my book - but a very, very good cricketer.