Gibbs return boosts confident South Africans

South Africa, already full of confidence after their emphatic three-day win against the Sri Lankans, have been further boosted by the news that opener Herschelle Gibbs is set to make a return in the second Test at Centurion after recovering from a back injury.

Gibbs was forced out of the opening Test at Wanderers minutes before the start of play after complaining of back spasms, providing right-hander Martin van Jaarsveld with a surprise chance to press his claims for a regular place.

Van Jaarsveld missed his opportunity as medium-pacer Hasantha Fernando knocked back his middle stump with a curving inswinger and South Africa will revert back to their planned top three with Graeme Smith and Gibbs opening and Gary Kirsten first down.

Gibbs played a full part in training on Wednesday and passed a fitness test on Thursday. Barring another last-minute mishap he will play. "I'm not feeling any after affects and I am sure that I will be alright," said Gibbs after practice.

"Herschelle is obviously a fine player, he's been playing well this season and it's good to have him back in the fold," said Shaun Pollock. "I hope he goes out there and scores some runs."

Pollock warned his players against complacency: "If you perform like we did in the last game then you are going to gain confidence, but although we have a slight psychological advantage, this is a new game and we have got to go out there and produce the goods again."

South Africa may be reluctant to change a winning side, successfully gambling on a five-pronged pace attack in the opening Test, but the selectors will seriously consider the inclusion of left-arm spinner Claude Henderson on a brown, flat-looking pitch that is less well-grassed than had been expected.

However, that would mean dropping Andrew Hall, who produced a good all-round performance in the first Test, adding valuable depth to the batting order, or Steve Elworthy, who bowled well in both innings, troubling the Sri Lankan top order.

"The wicket doesn't look as grassy as normal," said Pollock. "It might wear later in the game and we will have to weigh that up."

Despite a pitch that promises a fairer contest between bat and ball and the possibility of complacency after such a commanding victory, South Africa's fast-bowling strength makes them firm favourites to win the game and the series.

The improved bowling form of Pollock only adds to the suspicion that South Africa possess the firepower to overcome a Sri Lankan top order that is struggling to come to terms with unfamiliar conditions.

Coach Eric Simons was delighted with Pollock's performance in the first game, revealing that he'd made mental and technical adjustments in an effort to reclaim his best form.

"He bowled quicker in the first Test than he has done for quite a while and I believe that it will get better from here on," said Simmons. "Part of the problem is that he has stopping think himself as a fast medium bowler and that has had an effect.

"He has to start reconditioning his thoughts and we have worked on that. It is a psychological thing, basically. But opening up his action has helped. He had become a little bit closed in his delivery and that had inhibited his rhythm."

South Africa squad:

Shaun Pollock (capt), Mark Boucher (vice-capt), Steve Elworthy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Mornantau Hayward, Claude Henderson, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Neil McKenzie, Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince, Graeme Smith.