Monde's last man in for Warwickshire

Jan 11 2008 By Brian Halford, Birmingham

WARWICKSHIRE'S playing staff for 2008 will probably be completed by the signing of South African fast-bowler Monde Zondeki, director of cricket Ashley Giles revealed today.

Zondeki, enjoying a successful domestic season in his native country, has agreed a summer contract with the Bears and will share the overseas duties with Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya who will play in the Twenty20.

And while not totally ruling out another signing from closer to home, Giles (pictured) reckons his cast is now pretty much in place for next season.

"We have to be clever and will keep our eyes open," he said.

"But we are getting towards the season and there is not much in the market domestically that is better than we have got.

"We don't want to go down the Kolpak route. So that means great opportunities for our young, local players - and more senior players - to play a big role.

"Next season is a big opportunity for these guys. We have a big staff and have probably got five guys going for two batting places and it's time a couple of those started putting their hands up."

Giles revealed that his interest in bringing Shaun Pollock back for a third spell at Edgbaston was scuppered by the allrounder's likely selection for South Africa's tour of England. But another return for Pollock at some stage could well happen.

"We understand that Shaun is very likely to tour with South Africa," Giles said. "But we will always keep an eye on what happens down the line - after his retirement from Test cricket. He is still a world-class cricketer and a Bear as well."