Jacques Kallis has struggled with his elbow injury throughout the tour of Australia © Getty Images

Johan van der Wath, the Eagles allrounder, has been called up to South Africa's VB Series squad, after Jacques Kallis was forced to return home for treatment on his elbow injury.

Kallis missed South Africa's match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, having also withdrawn from the first Test against Australia, at Perth, in December.

van der Wath, who bowls at a lively pace and hits the ball in the manner of Justin Kemp, has been performing consistently for the Eagles this season. In last week's Standard Bank Cup Final he won the Man-of-the-Match award, after taking 3 for 25 and hitting a vital 20, in a low-scoring match.

The selectors have been watching his performances and Haroon Lorgat, the convenor, believes he is ready for a chance at the next level. "With great interest we have been watching Johan's performances and good form for South Africa A and for the Eagles in the domestic competitions. We believe that he has much to offer both now and in the future".

Lorgat added that the decision to send Kallis home was in order to ensure he is back to full fitness for the return series against Australia, which starts at the end of February. Kallis is the third South African to return home from the tour of Australia, following the withdrawal of Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel.