Pollock, Giles, Dippenaar cleared

Former South African captain, Shaun Pollock has been cleared to play in the third Test match against England, starting on January 2nd. Having sustained heavy bruising due two blows on gloves by pacer Steve Harmison during the closing exchanges of the second Test, it is now confirmed that Pollock has no fractures.

Returning to the squad for the match is middle order batsman Boeta Dippenaar, who scored 110 in the first Test at Port Elizabeth. He missed the last match due to a knee injury but has been passed fit to play the third Test, and will replace Martin van Jaarsveld. Unfortunate for van Jaarsveld, as he scored a quickfire 49 in the second innings of the second Test.

For England, Ashley Giles will be retained in the side after there were doubts surrounding his fitness. Back problems prevented the left-arm offspinner from bowling in the first innings of the second Test, since the first day. Giles experienced a back spasm early in the match, facing up to quickie Dale Steyn.

Posted by Liam