South African strike bowler Makhaya Ntini could make a surprise return for the triangular one-day series here after Andre Nel was found to have a severe stress fracture in his left foot on Friday.
Nel, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2-0 Test series loss to Australia, will fly home early on Saturday, missing the upcoming series which also includes Sri Lanka.
The firebrand seamer had failed to finish the third Test in Sydney and blamed the injury on a heavy workload and Australia’s hard pitches.
Ntini went home 10 days ago after suffering a hamstring injury but the South Africans will not decide on Nel’s replacement until Monday.
South African selectors have also put 22-year-old Dale Steyn, regarded as the country’s fastest bowler with regular deliveries over 140kph, on stand-by.
Steyn made his Test debut against England 12 months ago, taking eight wickets in three Tests.
Ntini’s hamstring tendon damage was assessed this week in Cape Town but officials here said a cortisone injection was likely to help him prove his fitness on Monday.
”We will not take any risks with Makhaya, although we are encouraged by medical reports around his recovery,” chief selector Haroon Lorgat said.
The severity of Nel’s injury, first thought to be just bruising, became clearer after a bone scan taken on Thursday night.
”I am naturally disappointed because I wanted to complete the tour,” said the 28-year-old, who took 14 wickets in the Test series at 29.64.
”The constant pressure when you slam your foot into the ground when you bowl [in Australia] must have done the damage.”
Nel is considered a certainty to return in time for Australia’s eight-week tour of South Africa starting in late February, needing three to four weeks’ rest.
The Proteas warmed up for their opening tri-series clash against Australia here on Sunday with a 46-run victory over the Queensland Academy of Sport here on Friday.
All-rounder Jacques Kallis starred with 80 off 106 balls for the tourists, including a massive six, helping his team to recover from a bad start to make 234-7 in the match at Brisbane’s Allan Border field.
Skipper Graeme Smith’s disappointing form with the bat continued when he fell for 24 at 59-3 in the 17th over but Kallis and Ashwell Prince, who hit 50 off 72 balls, turned the game around with a vital century stand.
All-rounder Chris Simpson backed up his impressive off-spin spell of 3-40 to scare the tourists with 55 off 48 balls before the Academy side wilted to be all out for 188.
Kallis again looked hampered by his lingering elbow injury and also needed treatment for a groin strain, but he did manage to bowl.
Controversial off-spinner Johan Botha, whose bowling action is being investigated, finished with 3-32. – AFP
