Pollock cleared to play

Shaun Pollock, the South African allrounder, has been passed fit to play in the third Test against England which starts this Sunday (Jan 2) at Cape Town. Pollock was hit on the gloves twice by Steve Harmison during his innings of 35 in fading light on the fifth day of the second Test at Durban. The diagnosis on Friday was heavy bruising, and no fractures.

Boeta Dippenaar, who scored 110 against England at Port Elizabeth, returns to the squad for the third match after recovering from the knee injury that made him miss the Durban Test. Martin van Jaarsveld, who hit a 52-ball 49 on Thursday, loses his place to accommodate him.

Ashley Giles, the England spinner, has overcome the back problems that prevented him from bowling in South Africa's first innings at Durban. Giles had suffered a back spasm on the opening day while facing a hostile spell of bowling from Dale Steyn. Giles told reporters: "I've been through the wars, but I'm fine - the back seems to have fully recovered and the bruises will heal with time. I've never had a problem during a game with it before, which is frustrating, particularly sitting out for a day and a half watching the guys battle it out."