Langeveldt joins SA injury list

Monde Zondeki will have the chance to shine following injuries to South Africa's main bowlers © Getty Images

It never rains but it pours. South Africa's injury crisis has worsened with the news that Charl Langeveldt will miss their opening VB Series match, against Australia at Brisbane, with a groin strain. He has been hampered by the injury since the end of the Test series but, it had been hoped he would have been able to shake it off ahead of the one-day matches.

Langeveldt's unavailability means South Africa's pace bowling resources are being stretched to breaking point. Andre Nel has been ruled out of the tournament with a stress fracture of his foot, while Makhaya Ntini is currently back in South Africa receiving treatment for a knee injury. There has been talk of Ntini rejoining the tour however, the selectors are loathed to risk one of their premier strike bowlers with the return Test series against Australia starting in March.

This spate of injuries leaves the attack in the hands of Shaun Pollock, with back up from the inexperienced duo of Monde Zondeki and Garnett Kruger, plus Andrew Hall's brisk medium pace. One boost for South Africa is that Justin Kemp is expected to be able to play, but only as a batsman - putting further pressure on the remaining bowlers.

Meanwhile, the Australians are weighing up their options following the 116-run thrashing of Sri Lanka in the opening match in Melbourne. Brett Dorey has a chance of making his international debut, on the ground where he claimed a career-best 7 for 87, for Western Australia against Queensland, in the Pura Cup. However, following the near faultless performance at the Telstra Dome he may find it difficult to force his way in.

Australia (probable) Adam Gilchrist (wk), Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (capt), Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, James Hopes, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath. Supersub Brett Dorey

South Africa (probable) Graeme Smith (capt), Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher (wk), Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall, Garnett Kruger, Monde Zondeki. Supersub Johan Botha