JOHANNESBURG, SA (Reuters) - South African pace bowler Andre Nel is getting married next week - in the middle of the final Test against West Indies.
The match starts in Centurion next Friday and Nel had been due to wed fiancée Deanne Weitz on the Saturday at 4.30 - right in the middle of the final session of the second day.
The arrangements were made 10 months ago when Nel was on the periphery of the South African squad but he has since bowled himself into the heart of the attack, taking 17 wickets at an average of 22.47 in the first three Tests.
Now, the couple have managed to put the wedding back two hours to 6.30 which will give Nel an hour to get to the ceremony - 15 minutes drive away - after the 5.30 close of play.
Nel said yesterday: ``It's been a pretty confusing and difficult time for us, but I am very pleased we were able to find an alternative time.
``I am fully committed to playing in the Test match and will be giving my usual 100 per cent on the field throughout.''
He added: ``Deanne has been very understanding and supportive throughout the whole issue, as have the coach and convener of selectors.''
Asked if he was concerned about getting to the church on time should play over-run its scheduled close, Nel replied, ``For once the groom might be late for the wedding!''
After the briefest of honeymoons Nel will be back at the ground for the third day of the Test on the Sunday. South Africa hold an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series with one game drawn.