S Africa add Amla, Steyn for third test versus Australia

DURBAN, South Africa, Mar 28 (Reuters) South Africa have added Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn to their squad for the third and final test against Australia starting in Johannesburg on Friday.

Batsman Amla, who turns 23 on Friday, has played three tests and forced his way into the reckoning by scoring 873 runs at an average of 62.35 in 10 Supersport Series matches this season.

Fast bowler Steyn, who has also played three tests, has taken 41 wickets at an average of 17.68 in the eight Supersport Series matches he has played this summer.

''Both have had exposure to test cricket and have been in good form this season,'' selection convenor Haroon Lorgat said in a Cricket South Africa news release today.

''They will bring fresh options in both the middle order and bowling departments for the third test. We will sit down and discuss possible scenarios in the next two days.'' The rest of the squad is unchanged from that selected for the second test, which South Africa lost by 112 runs in Durban on Tuesday as Australia took an unbeatable 2-0 series lead.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Garnett Kruger, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn.

Reuters SHR RN0020