Nel finds a way to the altar

After carelessly arranging to get married in the middle of next week's fourth and final Test against West Indies, Andre Nel's awkward situation has finally been resolved.

Nel and his fiancé, Deanne Weitz, have postponed the big day so Nel can play in the match at Centurion Park. The wedding was originally planned for 4.30pm on Saturday January 17, the second day of the Test. Nel had not expected to feature in the series when he set the date ten months ago, before he was contracted to the South African board.

They have now managed to put the start back by two hours to 6.30pm that Saturday, meaning Nel will have to quickly swap his whites for his morning coat after play.

Nel was delighted with the solution: "It's been a pretty confusing and difficult time for us, but I am very pleased we were able to find an alternative time," he said. "I am fully committed to playing in the Test match and will be giving my usual %100 on the field throughout.

"Deanne has been very understanding and supportive throughout the whole issue, as have the coach and convener of selectors," he added. Nel wasn't worried about anything going wrong, such as the possibility of play overrunning: "For once the groom might be late for the wedding!"

Eric Simons, South Africa's coach, was also pleased the issue has been settled: "Its good news all round," he said. "Nella has been a key man in our attack and it will be good to be able to select from the full squad."

The fourth Test starts at Centurion Park on Friday, January 16.