Pollock likely to return for final Test

Shaun Pollock bowled without discomfort for a second day in a row on Thursday as the Proteas prepared for this weekend's third and final Test against New Zealand.

Shaun Pollock bowled without discomfort for a second day in a row on Thursday as the Proteas prepared for this weekend's third and final Test against New Zealand.

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South Africa leads the series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 128 runs and drawing the second. The third Test will start on Friday at the Wanderers Stadium.

Pollock withdrew from the second Test on the opening morning with a spasm in his lower back. His replacement, Andre Nel, did not have a successful match with the ball.

Pollock bowled six overs on Wednesday, and another six on Thursday without any problems from his back.

His return would bring some economy to the South African bowling attack — something which was missing in the second test, allowing New Zealand to score 593-8 declared in their first innings.

South African selection convener Haroon Lorgat said the Proteas' batting lineup was unlikely to be changed.

New Zealand will have to decide whether to play two spinners, as they did in the second Test, based on a reading of the pitch which has been prepared with the assistance of gas heaters and tents to emulate a warmer climate.

Squads:

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

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori, Nathan Astle, Peter Fulton, James Franklin, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum, Hamish Marshall, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Michael Papps, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris.