Injury came calling on South Africa again in Perth on Monday when pace-bowler Makhaya Ntini split the webbing on his hand during the second day of a three-day tour match against a Western Australian XI at Perth’s James Oval.
Ntini — who bowls with his right hand — had five stitches to close the wound on his left hand.
His spin colleague Nicky Boje suffered a similar injury, also while fielding, during a tour match last Friday but doctors believe he will be able to play in the Test match starting at Perth’s Western Australian Cricket Association (Waca) Ground on Friday.
It was not immediately clear if Ntini would also be available.
The injury is the latest in a string of bad luck for the tourists, with all-rounder Jacques Kallis (elbow), captain Graeme Smith (finger) and bowler Charl Langeveldt (chest infection) all having less-than-perfect preparations.
A final decision on Kallis’s availability for the first Test against Australia was likely to be made on Tuesday, but Smith and Langeveldt should both be fit for the match.
South Africa again failed to stamp their authority on their opponents — this time a team made up mostly of fringe Western Australian state team players — allowing the hosts to amass 300 for five declared in reply to their first innings of 292 for eight declared.
In their second innings, South Africa were 155 for three at stumps on the second day, an overall lead of 147 with one day remaining.
Little-known local batsman Luke Pomersbach, an uncontracted batsman who plays club cricket, made a mockery of South Africa’s much-vaunted attack, belting 145 from 128 balls, including 21 boundaries and three sixes.
Although Pomersbach said he felt the South African bowlers were ”just cruising”, his slog must give selectors some cause for concern following their innings drubbing by Western Australia in the opening tour match.
But Australian Test newcomer Mike Hussey, who arrived in Perth on Monday following Australia’s one-day series win in New Zealand, said he believes the Proteas will be formidable Test opponents.
Hussey said he feels the South Africans will cope with the bouncy Waca wicket, which traditionally reduces the effectiveness of Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne.
”I think the Waca will suit them,” Hussey said. ”They’ve got pitches in South Africa that are quite fast and bouncy, Natal in particular can be a fast, bouncy pitch, so they’ll be used to that type of condition.
”Plus, there’s been plenty of talk in the past that Shane Warne’s done well against South Africa and may be negated at the Waca. That remains to be seen, but I think it’s going to be a fantastic Test match between two very strong teams.”
The South Africans have stirred controversy since their arrival, with Smith stating Australia are no longer the side they once were after losing the Ashes to England.
Fiery paceman Andre Nel also ensured himself of a hot reception from Australian crowds this summer, admitting he welcomes sledging from the opposition.
Hussey captained Nel during his time with Northamptonshire in English county cricket and compared him to outlandish former Australian quick Merv Hughes.
”[Nel’s] a very passionate player and a very emotional player,” Hussey said. ”I think he likes to get into a fight, in the Merv Hughes sort of mould. He loves to play around with the crowd and he’s a very good bowler.
”I think the Australian public will enjoy a fair bit of banter with him this year.” — Sapa-AFP