South African injury crisis forces Elworthy call-up

South Africa face an injury crisis as they prepare for the first ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against either India or England on September 25.

Veteran fast bowler Allan Donald (ankle), Shaun Pollock's new-ball partner Alan Dawson (calf) and left-arm spinner Nicky Boje (finger) are all struggling to be fit for the crucial match.

After permission from the ICC, the selectors have called up veteran fast bowler Steve Elworthy and Eastern Province spinning all-rounder Robin Peterson as cover, swelling the squad to 16.

Elworthy, 37, is an experienced campaigner, having played 38 ODIs taking 42 wickets at 28.81. Peterson, 23, would be making his debut if selected.

Donald is suffering from a long-term ankle injury, which has traditionally been managed by six-monthly cortisone injections, and could still play in the semi-final with painkillers.

Dawson tweaked his calf during at a practice and then aggravated the injury during South Africa's final pool game against Kenya.

Coach Eric Simons said, "Dawsy is a fast healer, and we are still hopeful that he could play, but it is far from certain that he will."

Boje is doubtful too, having sustained a hairline finger fracture whilst fielding off his own bowling during South Africa's opening game against West Indies.