PERTH, Jan 31: New Zealand’s match-winning all-rounder Chris Cairns will be allowed to decide if he’s fit for Friday’s one-day game against South Africa, captain Stephen Fleming said Thursday.

Cairns, who has a back injury, played for the Kiwis in Tuesday’s two-wicket loss to Australia in the triangular limited overs series match in Melbourne, but did not bowl.

He made 55 with the bat, underlining his importance to the competition leaders.

Cairns also made an unbeaten century earlier in the series.

“He is important with his experience and variations and without his bowling services there has to be a gap filled,” Fleming said.

“It will be fantastic when he’s back to full fitness, it gives us a very well-balanced side.

“Guys like (Craig) McMillan and (Nathan) Astle could be pretty handy but as far as front-line bowling, of course we’ll miss Chris.

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Shaun Pollock expects veteran fast bowler Allan Donald to turn back the clock for Friday’s match.

“Allan has quite a bit of cricket under his belt now,” Pollock said Thursday. “He’s firing on all cylinders and raring to go. I’m sure you’ll see a fine performance from him.”

Donald, who has recently been hampered by a finger injury, has struggled with injuries on the Australia tour where the Proteas lost the Test series 3-0.

The game in Perth is the penultimate in the 12-match triangular series with Australia hosting the Proteas Sunday. Places in next week’s finals series are still to be decided.—Reuters