Slimmed Kleinveldt wants ODI place back

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Cricket365
October 29, 2013

South Africa fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt is hoping to use the upcoming domestic one-day matches to impress the selectors and get back into the ODI side after being dropped from the side.

The paceman was in the UAE for the Test series against Pakistan, which ended in 1-1 draw, but did not crack the nod for the ODI side and thus went home. He last played a match for the Proteas, in any format, in July, against Sri Lanka.

The Cobras paceman said on Tuesday: "Of course, it's disappointing to get dropped. It is never a nice feeling, but I have suffered bigger setbacks in my career and have always bounced back.

"I intend to do just that again, starting with putting in performances for the Cape Cobras and helping my franchise into the playoffs."

One criticism of Kleinveldt's selection in the past was his excess weight, but after a tour to the UAE he lost quite a few kilogrammes and said it had always been tough for him to keep his weight down.

He added: "It was hot in Dubai… and that made losing weight easier. I had to do something about my weight. It is easier for some other bowlers like Dale (Steyn), for example, to keep their body fat percentage down because it is almost genetic with him.

"I have to work harder to maintain my fitness levels, so I did lots of work on the side with the Proteas fitness trainer Greg King when I wasn't playing in the UAE.

"As a fast bowler it is imperative to remain injury free and that can only be achieved if your fitness is at the required standard."