MELBOURNE, Dec 27: South Africa have flown in uncapped batsman Van Jaarsveld as a back-up for injured captain Graeme Smith whose availability for next week’s Sydney Test is uncertain.

Smith, who made 48 and 101 in his side’s six-wicket win in the first Test in Perth last week, has lined up for the second Test at the MCG only after having further treatment on his elbow. Van Jaarsveld, a hard-hitting left-hander, will arrive in Australia on Sunday.

The uncapped 23-year-old was originally scheduled to land with the One-day squad in the second week of January.

“Vaughn [Jaarsveld] will provide us with cover for both Ashwell Prince and Graeme Smith.

“It will also provide him with a valuable opportunity to work with the national squad as he is the only member of the One-Day international squad who did not attend our pre-season camp in October,” coach Mickey Arthur said.—Agencies