South Africa will give all-rounder Jacques Kallis until the last moment to prove his fitness for the crucial third and final Test against Australia starting tomorrow at the WACA Ground.
The 37-year-old had appeared certain to miss the series decider, which will also determine which of the two teams ends up with the number one ranking in Test cricket.
After suffering a hamstring injury during the second Test in Adelaide and unable to bowl in Australia's second innings, Kallis nonetheless played a crucial role in saving the match, which finished on Monday.
He scored 58 and 46 despite batting down the order, without the aid of a runner and being unable to sprint between the wickets.
He had reached his 44th Test century with a brilliant 147 in Brisbane.
Proteas captain Graeme Smith said seamer Vernon Philander would return after being a late withdrawal in Adelaide due to back stiffness and he voiced hope that Kallis would also be fit despite the short break.
"It is moving into a positive light," he said of both players. "I think Vernon is ready to go and Jacques is coming along nicely. But we will wait to see how he (Kallis) comes through today and tomorrow morning.
"To have him at number four for us brings a lot of batting strength for us and is crucial. Hopefully, when we wake up tomorrow morning he will be ready to go but we won't be making that decision lightly."
Smith said Kallis would bat at four if he played, although he would not be able to bowl.