Parnell set for Test debut

Johannesburg - South Africa is expected to hand seamer Wayne Parnell his first Test cap when it goes in search of a series-levelling win against England in the fourth and final match starting on Thursday.

The Proteas lost by an innings in Durban and were held to draws in Pretoria and Cape Town by a tenacious England side both drawn matches saw the tourists holding on with nine wickets down in their second innings.

For the final Test, the Proteas are likely to take the ambitious step of handing a Test debut to 20-year-old left-arm seamer Parnell, to replace the injured Friedel de Wet, who has been diagnosed with a back stress fracture.

As a left-arm bowler, Parnell will add variety to the Proteas attack and make the most of the expected bowler-friendly conditions at Johannesburg.

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has admitted to having discussions with Wanderers groundsman Chris Scott about providing a lively surface for the match and allrounder Jacques Kallis expects a torrid time on the pitch as a batsman.

"I've had a look at the wicket and it's not as green as some I've seen here, but it will do a bit no doubt, and you'll need some skill to get through," Kallis said.

"Our guys are used to playing on pitches that bounce and go through probably a little more than the English guys, so hopefully that plays into our favor," he added. "Our wickets probably do the most in the world and our guys are well equipped for this challenge."

Kallis acknowledged the home side would need to rely on more than a friendly pitch to overcome England and level the series 1-1.

"(The England players) haven't given up. They have been in tough situations in two games where they have been totally out of it, but have still managed to get out of it," he said. "We were in England's situation in Durban and crumbled, so as much as we can say we've been unlucky we have been in the same situation and failed. We've only got ourselves to blame.

"Obviously that is all in the past and we have to look forward and know that going into this test there won't be any favors given our way. We've have to go out and win this and put all those feelings behind us. We know we have to move on."

England is not expected to make any drastic changes to its team, if any.

One of Englands heroes of the series, Paul Collingwood, expects nothing less than an aggressive, attacking approach from the Proteas.

"South Africa are in a position where they need a win, and to do that, they've got to gamble a little bit," Collingwood said. "This wicket does tend to go through a lot more anyway - you get a bit more bounce here. Then if they leave a bit more grass on, it will obviously seam around a bit. It could be a difficult week for the batsmen."

South Africa is unlikely to tamper with its top six batsmen, but some talk has been raised as to playing all-rounder Ryan McLaren instead of spinner Paul Harris.

South Africa (from): Graeme Smith (captain), Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Alviro Peterson.

England (probable): Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy Anderson, Graham Onions.