KEY POINTS:
Canterbury have included two newcomers in their squad for the new cricket season.
Their contracted 12 for the 2007-8 season announced on Monday include South African Johann Myburgh and Ben Rae, who played four first class games last season.
Brent Findlay is the only exclusion from last season's contracted list while former Blackcap Nathan Astle has retired from all cricket.
"It would have been fantastic for Canterbury Cricket to have Nathan playing this season, but we respect his decision to retire and wish him and him family the best for the future," Canterbury Cricket chief executive Richard Reid said.
Myburgh is a top-order batsman and right-arm orthodox spin bowler. He has a first class batting average of 41.77 which includes six first class hundreds and 17 fifties.
He has been playing cricket for the Northern Titans in the South African domestic competitions.
"It is fortunate that we have been able to confirm Johann for the upcoming season as he's a quality player and as a top order batsman will fill the gap left by Nathan," Reid said.
Rae, played four first class games for Canterbury last season and managed a top score of 58 and an average of 29.40.
- NZPA
