Boje earns recall, Pollock waits on fitness test

JOHANNESBURG, Mar 12 (Reuters) South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock, who missed the epic one-day international with Australia today due to a back strain, will have a fitness test on Wednesday to see whether he can make the first two test matches against the Australians.

The first game starts in Cape Town on Thursday.

Experienced spinner Nicky Boje earned a recall when South Africa named a 14-man squad today.

The 32-year-old, dropped after the second test in Australia in December, has been in fine form in domestic cricket with 32 wickets in five matches.

The suspension of Johan Botha by the International Cricket Council for an illegal action gave Boje the opening to return and add to his 36 test caps.

Top-order batsman Boeta Dippenaar replaces exciting middle-order hitter Justin Kemp, who is due to undergo shoulder surgery.

Swing bowler Charl Langeveldt is not available due to a broken finger. All-rounder Andrew Hall replaces him.

Squad: Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Nicky Boje, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Garnett Kruger, Boeta Dippenaar, Andrew Hall.

REUTERS KD RK2353