South Africa have confirmed Jacques Kallis is '100 percent' fit for the Edgbaston Test.
Batsman cleared for third Test after injury scare
South Africa batsman Jacques Kallis has been confirmed as '100 percent' fit for the Edgbaston Test.
Kallis took a knock to the ring finger of his left hand while fielding during the Proteas' drawn warm-up game against Bangladesh A on Saturday.
But he was given the all-clear following an X-ray and will take his usual place at number four in the batting line-up when the third Test gets under way on Wednesday.
"Jacques is 100 percent fine," confirmed a team spokesman on Monday.
"He has been in the nets today at Edgbaston and taken part in a full practice session."
McKenzie upbeat
Kallis' top-order colleague Neil McKenzie is confident South Africa can continue from where they left off in the second Test at Headingley.
The Proteas dominated in Leeds for a 10-wicket success with a day to spare and hold a 1-0 lead at the mid-point of the four-match series.
And the tourists can claim their first series success in England since re-admission to the international game in 1992 with victory at either Edgbaston (Jul 30-Aug 3) or the Oval (Aug 7-11).
"We approach it the same way whether we were one down or one up - we are here to win a Test match," McKenzie said on
Sky Sports News.
"If you look at the implications, yes, a win would clinch the series but we are not looking at that way - we are just preparing to try and win a Test match.
"I wouldn't say we have the edge as we're only halfway through - there is no need to be making any big statements.
"We have the momentum, but it only takes one session for the momentum to swing."
Harmison reunion
McKenzie, who scored a century in the drawn series-opener at Lord's, enjoyed a stint in county cricket with Durham earlier in the season.
England have recalled his former team-mate in the north-east, Steve Harmison, to their 13-man third-Test squad.
"I know Harmy, he's a class performer and was world number one a couple of years ago," added McKenzie.
"It's good to see him back in a personal way.
"Any guy of that calibre and of that height is not a nice bowler to face - Morne Morkel does the same sort of job for us.
"They are both guys who can make life uncomfortable - we'll have to see how the wicket plays and bat accordingly."
South Africa are likely to make just one change to their line-up with Andre Nel coming in for pace spearhead Dale Steyn, who broke his thumb during the Headingley victory.
"I think it is a blow - Dale's taken the majority of our wickets over the last couple of months," admitted McKenzie.