Lymo let Ervine go after Zimbabwe call-up

Cricket: Lymo let Ervine go after Zimbabwe call-up

7:00am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Sport

SOUTHERN Premier League outfit Lymington have been rocked by the loss to international duty of Zimbabwean Test star Craig Ervine.

Ervine, the younger brother of Hampshire’s Sean Ervine, received an unexpected call-up when he was named in a 24-man squad for five Twenty20 matches against South Africa.

The series of friendlies, which take place in Harare later this month, are being used by South Africa as preparation for the World T20 in September.

Ervine, who joined Lymington as their overseas player this season, could also be in line to feature in a triangular one-day series against South Africa and Sri Lanka next month.

The 26-year-old all-rounder has returned to Zimbabwe after helping Lymington win two of their opening three games in Division One of the SPL.

Lymington captain Darren Cowley said: “There is a possibility he could come back towards the end of July but it would be up to Zimbabwe.

“I have spoken to Craig and he wants to come back to play for us next year. He said he felt as though he had let us down, which is absolute nonsense because it is an honour to be called up by your country.

“He was under the impression he would be with us for the season. He spoke to the Zimbabwe coach before he came to ask whether it would be worth coming over and was told to have a season in England playing with us and Hampshire seconds.”

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Ervine flew back to Zimbabwe last week and missed Lymington’s defeat by Bashley on Saturday and their 19-run win over Hartley Wintney in the SPL Twenty20 Cup on Sunday.

Lymington set up a quarter-final with Bashley after Damian Shirazi (34) and Glyn Treagus (28) put them on course for 138 for eight, a total Guy Layman (5-13) ensured Hartley Wintney would not reach.