JOHANNESBURG, May 3: South African Shaun Pollock will be allowed to take as much time as he needs to recover from his back injury before a decision is made about his availability for third and final cricket Test against New Zealand.

The Test begins at the Wanderers on Friday. Proteas are leading 1-0 after winning first Test at Centurion by 128 runs while second ended in a draw at Newlands on Monday.

Convener of national selectors, Haroon Lorgat, says he and his colleagues will monitor Pollock's progress this week. They could wait until Friday morning before announcing team. They will do same with Nicky Boje who injured his hand in second test.

Pollock, who played his 100th test at Centurion, withdrew at last minute at Newlands and was replaced by Andre Nel.

Nel had to make way for Dale Steyn at Centurion and could be left out of the team if Pollock recovers in time.

“Shaun started practising in nets on Monday and we're optimistic he will be ready. It's also encouraging that Nicky bowled in second innings at Newlands,” Lorgat said.—Agencies