Mixed fortunes for the Proteas
2005-12-25 09:23
Melbourne - South African all-rounder Justin Kemp's shoulder injury has ruled him out of the second Test against Australia beginning on Monday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The world's top-ranked batsman, Jacques Kallis, batted without discomfort in the nets on Sunday and will play for South Africa after missing the drawn first Test in Perth last week with an elbow injury.
Proteas will recall Kallis for Kemp
South African coach Mickey Arthur said the Proteas would recall Kallis for Kemp and were also considering bringing in left-arm spinner Nicky Boje for swing bowler Charl Langeveldt.
"I guess it made our selection poser a little bit easier for us, but unfortunately he (Kemp) is not available for selection," Arthur said.
"Kallis will slot in at four, the world's best player, he'll bat in a position that he's quite familiar with."
Final look at MCG drop-in pitch
Arthur said the team would have a final look at the MCG drop-in pitch on Monday morning before deciding on its bowling lineup.
"I guess the final poser will come down to do we play a four-man seam attack or do we play a spinner?" Arthur said. "It looks a little bit browner than it did yesterday. I think it has dried out quite nicely."
Arthur said he was expecting New South Wales leg-spinner Stuart MacGill be 12th man for Australia with the home side retaining left-arm swing bowler Nathan Bracken.
"We've prepared either way. I'm thinking that they wouldn't go in with two spinners on that, but who knows?" Arthur said.
"That's up to them. We are going to put our house in order and try to put the best side out that we possibly can."
Seven dropped catches were costly
Arthur said South Africa's seven dropped catches were costly at the Waca ground in Perth and his side was feeling confident about going up 1-0 in the three-match series.
"The catches were all pretty tough chances but you've got to hang on to those if you want to beat a quality side like Australia," he said.
A crowd of 70 000 is expected for the opening day at the newly refurbished MCG.
"It's quite amazing being out in the middle there," Australian paceman Glenn McGrath said. "I can only imagine what it will be like with a capacity crowd.
"Last year when they still hadn't finished the stand it was a bit of a strange feeling bowling at the MCG. Now with it completed it will be something pretty awesome."
South African captain Graeme Smith agreed.
"The MCG is an awesome occasion for any touring team," said Smith.
Sydney will host the final Test in the three-match series from January 2-6.
Teams:
Australia (from): Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Brad Hodge, Mike Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill.
South Africa (from): Graeme Smith (captain), A.B. de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Jacques Rudolph, Ashwell Prince, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Charl Langeveldt.
- SAPA