Kallis could still make first Test

Jacques Kallis could still play in the first Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday even if he arrives back in the country only 24 hours before the game.

Kallis is currently at home in Cape Town with his father Henry, who is suffering from lung cancer. Kallis was given compassionate leave from the tour by the team management after scoring an impressive 329 runs in the NatWest Series.

Gerald de Kock, a team spokesman, speaking today at Arundel where South Africa are playing India A in their final warm-up match, insisted there was no pressure on Kallis to come back: "There's no expectation about when he's going to return.

"There's an opportunity for him to come back as late as Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. But there's no pressure on him to come."

Eric Simons, South Africa's coach, said: "We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult and emotional time for Jacques." He continued, "I have told him that he must take as much time as he needs to be with his father. He is a vital member of our squad, but ultimately the well-being of a player's family comes before any game of cricket. The thoughts of the entire touring party are with Jacques."

Shaun Pollock was playing against India A only 24 hours after arriving back from South Africa where he'd been visiting his pregnant wife. And De Kock added: "I don't think it would be a problem for Jacques to play. Shaun's come back and, I know it's not a Test match, he's playing here having been on an overnight flight."

Kallis missed South Africa's tour of Bangladesh to spend more time with his 65-year-old father, and if he does not play at Edgbaston his place will most likely be taken by Boeta Dippenaar.