Herschelle Gibbs to replace injured Jacques Kallis

South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has been confirmed as Jacques Kallis' replacement for the remainder of the ODI series against England. Kallis fractured his rib during last month's Champions Twenty20 League in India and is also doubtful for the opening Test in Centurion on December 16. Kallis played the second Twenty20 international in Centurion and scored 7, but did not bowl.

Gibbs will join the squad in Cape Town on Wednesday, ahead of the third ODI which starts two days later. He last played for South Africa during the Champions Trophy in September but failed to make the squad for the limited-overs games against Zimbabwe and England. He also had a forgettable outing in the Champions League in India, scoring just 43 runs in four games for the Cape Cobras. He scored 42 of those in the semi-final against Trinidad and Tobago, but prior to that he had recorded two first-ball ducks.

However, he was in good form for the Cobras in the MTN 40-over competition at home, scoring 163 runs in four games. He was given a lifeline by the selectors when he was picked for the A squad to play England in Potchefstroom last week, where he scored 24. With Kallis on the sidelines, Gibbs will have a second chance at regaining his spot.