Klusener out of final Test against Sri Lanka

South African all-rounder Lance Klusener failed a fitness trial on Thursday and will miss the third and final Test against Sri Lanka which starts at Centurion Park on Saturday.

Klusener will have microscopic surgery on his right knee to repair some cartilage damage and will be out of action for four to six weeks. He is expected to be fit for South Africa's tour of the West Indies which starts on March 1.

For the third test, Klusener will be replaced by all-rounder Justin Kemp, who will win his first cap.

Sri Lanka also have an injury problem with left-arm opening bowler Chaminda Vaas a doubtful starter after damaging his left groin in the final limited overs international at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Key offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan was also hobbling at the Wanderers but skipper Sanath Jaysasuriya said Vaas was the only worry - and that it was too early to tell whether Vaas would be fit.

The Sri Lankans took a day off Thursday after winning at the Wanderers. Jayasuriya said the one-day win was a boost for the teams confidence after a succession of poor results. Sri Lanka lost the first five one-day internationals and lost the second Test in Cape Town by a record margin of an innings and 229 runs.

But because the first Test in Durban was drawn, Sri Lanka still have a chance of squaring the series.

Three of the South African team that played at Newlands are out with injuries, with opening batsman Gary Kirsten (broken hand) and fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam (stress fracture of the thigh) having withdrawn previously.

While Sri Lanka will be boosted by the addition of veteran batsman Aravinda de Silva to their squad, the loss of Vaas would be a big blow. However, it could force Sri Lanka to rely more on spin bowling, their traditional strength.

With Vaas out of action in the tense closing overs at the Wanderers, Jayasuriya relied on the offspin of Muralitharan and De Silva and his own left-arm spin as South Africa lost their last six wickets for 35 runs.

South African captain Shaun Pollock said the one-day defeat, which prevented South Africa from equalling the world record of 11 successive wins, left "a sour taste" but he was confident his team would be able to come out firing in the test.

Pollock admitted that the form of strike bowler Allan Donald was a worry. Donald missed South Africas most recent three Test matches because of a stomach muscle injury and has been unimpressive in two one-day games. The ace bowler also bowled five wides at the Wanderers when he conceded 31 runs in six overs.

"Hes a little bit rusty," said Pollock. "It doesnt matter how hard you work in the nets, theres no substitute for bowling in the middle. There will be a little less pressure on him in a Test when there isnt an umpire waiting to wide him."

Teams:

South Africa: Shaun Pollock (captain), Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Neil McKenzie, Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, Justin Kemp, Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Andrew Hall (12th man).

Sri Lanka (probable squad): Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillerkeratne Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando.

Umpires: Rudi Koertzen (Rsa) and Peter Willey (Eng). TV umpire: Dave Orchard (Rsa). Match referee: Raman Subba Row (Eng).

Mail Cricket Editor