Cape Town - The Proteas have been boosted by the news that Vernon Philander is available for the second Test against England starting on Friday at Trent Bridge.
The 32-year-old had been a concern after injuring his bowling hand while batting in the first innings at Lord's last week.
Philander made 52 in that knock but was hit on the hand by a delivery from James Anderson.
After he had been dismissed, Philander was sent for X-rays and did not immediately bowl in the second innings.
The scans revealed that there was no fracture, but Philander still bowled just five of South Africa's 36.4 overs, prompting concerns that he would struggle to be fit in time for Friday.
But the news coming out of the Proteas camp is that Philander is fine and available for selection.
It is seriously good news for South Africa, especially considering that they are 1-0 down after Lord's and that Kagiso Rabada is suspended.
Duanne Olivier, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo are the players in line to replace Rabada.