The South African cricket camp feared Friday they had lost the bowling services of all-rounder Jacques Kallis for the remainder of the third Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.
Kallis left the field early on the opening day of the Test with a side strain -- when he had the impressive figures of one for four off seven overs -- and captain Graeme Smith was not confident he would bowl again in the match.
"He's not good, I think it's quite a bad side strain," Smith said.
"Injuries like that can happen, and as a seamer I think Jacques' the only one who hasn't had a side strain.
"That's the way the tour's gone, we start well and something like that happens."
New Zealand, who lead the series 1-0, were 248 for six at the close of play after South Africa had won the toss.