POTCHEFSTROOM (South Africa), Feb 18: South African skipper Shaun Pollock is a doubtful starter for the first Test against Australia at Wanderers in Johannesburg because of a side strain, officials said Monday.

Pollock was named in the team, announced in Potchefstroom but selection convenor Rushdi Magiet said his fitness would have to be assessed before the game, which starts Friday.

Pollock was unable to bowl in the second innings of a current provincial match for KwaZulu-Natal because of the injury.

Squad: Shaun Pollock (captain), Mark Boucher, Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Neil McKenzie, Justin Ontong, Nicky Boje, Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Graeme Smith (12th man).—AFP