CENTURION, South Africa, 22 January 2005 — Rain prevented any play on the first day of the fifth and final Test between South Africa and England at Centurion Park yesterday.
After steady overnight rain, the covers were removed three times during the day, revealing a well-grassed pitch. Twice starts were scheduled, only for the rain to return.
South Africa announced their team, with two changes from the side that lost the fourth Test in Johannesburg by 77 runs.
All-rounder Andrew Hall and fast bowler Andre Nel were selected ahead of batsman Boeta Dippenaar and fast bowler Dale Steyn.
England delayed announcing their team
England lead the series 2-1, which means South Africa must win the match to avoid losing a home series against England for the first time since 1964 65.
South Africa have not lost a home series to any opponents other than Australia, who have won two series, since returning to international cricket in 1991.
The recalled Nel, who last played for South Africa in the third Test against New Zealand in Wellington in March 2004, said the pitch looked green.
“The bowlers are smiling, hopefully we can get out there tomorrow and play some good cricket.”
Nel, who toured Sri Lanka in July and August but did not play because of a back injury, added: “I’ve got five months of aggression built up.”
A player with a string of disciplinary actions against him, he planned to use his aggression “in a controlled manner.”
He said: “I’ve grown up, but if I’m not in guys’ faces I’m not half the bowler I can be.”
Teams
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Andrew Hall, Nicky Boje, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.
England (likely): Michael Vaughan (captain), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Robert Key, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Simon Jones.
Umpires: Steve Bucknor (WIS), Aleem Dar (PAK). TV umpire: Karl Hurter (RSA).
Match referee: Clive Lloyd.
