Jacques Kallis's chances of playing for South Africa in the first Test against England are rated no better than "50-50" because of a broken rib. It had been suggested that Kallis would be selected for next week's match at Centurion even if he is unable to bowl but Mike Procter, South Africa's convenor of selectors, has killed that idea.
"With Jacques we aren't quite sure yet. Things are progressing well, but on the conservative side I would say 50-50 is a fair call," Procter told Cricinfo. "It's a nasty injury he picked up. With a cracked rib it's either right or it isn't; there isn't really anything in between like with a side strain, where you may be able to get away with it by not bowling. It affects his batting as well and I think he has to be a 100% fit. We wouldn't want to jeopardise his chances by doing further damage to him with three more Tests in the series."
Shaun Pollock has said that the loss of the all-rounder will be a huge blow for the Test, which begins on Wednesday week. "The bowling option will be what they really miss," the former South Africa fast bowler and captain, said. "He does his fare share of work in the Test arena, particularly in the first innings when the ball is not turning and [the slow left-armer] Paul Harris can't play a huge part, so it could be a huge blow for South Africa."
Unswayed by England's 2-1 one-day series win, Pollock believes that South Africa are still favourites to win the Test series as England have difficulties of their own. Kallis may at least come back, whereas Andrew Flintoff is gone for good.
"South Africa still go in as favourites, especially with the fact that Flintoff is no longer a Test player," Pollock added. "He was a big part of England's make-up; a guy who can bat and bowl as he did will be a big loss for them. I think maybe England will be thinking, 'we used to bank on a few wickets from Flintoff, so where are they going to come now?'"
Pollock also thinks that Stuart Broad may struggle to adjust to a move up the batting order. "I know he's been ear-marked as an all-rounder, and he seems to have gone from strength to strength in the bowling department. The step up the order from No8 to No7, that may not seem like a big thing but from the perspective of an all-rounder it is a big change. Normally at No8 you're just trying to contribute, whereas at No7 the team are expecting a contribution from you, so it will be interesting to see how he goes."
Shaun Pollock is commentating for Sky Sports during its exclusively live and HD coverage of South Africa v England
