South Africa throw down an interesting gauntlet

This leaves them a batsman short, with Azhar Mahmood moving up to six, a position one above Wasim. No doubt Moin Khan's inclusion comes ahead of Youhana and Muhammad Wasim with neither making an impression worthy of note on this tour.

But it's not that simple for Cronje and Co: Allan Donald still has to pass a final fitness test today with Lance Klusener, left out in favour of the preferred swing of Fanie de Villiers, on stand by.

Adams has played only three tests this season returns to the venue where he made his debut against Mike Atherton's England tourists in the Christmas test of the 1995/96 series and was expected to be partnered by Pat Symcox. Only Symcox has been given the drinks waiter's job for a second successive game. Some say it is a disciplinary move, others suggest South Africa need to play wrist spin ahead of off-spin.

Symcox is no doubt hoping a change of venue will change the side's fortunes. He filled in this role at Kingsmead where South Africa lost by 29 runs earlier this week, but his omission is still regarded as a surprise, although the pitch looks to favour the seam and swing bowlers more than spin.

His 16 wickets in seven tests this season, and which include those in Pakistan, at a cost of 37.06 is not a great strike rate: although his economy is under three an over. Adams, however, has managed only three wickets at an expensive 48.33.

Neither Cronje, the capatin, nor Bob Woolmer, the coach, were prepared to go into too much detail about the final choice of the spinner, or the role he is expected to play at St George's Park. Their main theme was finding a remedy to ensure St George's Park would not again become the grave yard of yet another test series.

They lost the second test to the well-drilled Australians a year ago and would like nothing better than to wipe out that memory with an emphatic victory.

Only the selection of the wrist spin of Adams and the way the side was announced sows some connfusion where Cronje intends to bat in this match. He indicated at Kingsmead he may revert to four, now he seemss to be a little less certain.

Adams has bowled long spells in the net and tested the South African top-order with Woolmer attempting to have them come forward instead of playing the short Western Province player off the back foot. Adams has also developed an interesting loop which gives the impression of the ball dropping quicker than usual and skidding off the surface. Certainly it is a faster delivery than some flat stuff he's inclined to bowl.

As for Pakistan they face making four changes to the side which won in Durban where their discipline and control did as much to beat South Africa. But the twin threat of Waqar Younis and Akram makes for an interesting contest over the next five days.

At least, however, South Africa will get a chance to see again whether their batsmen have managed to combat the wiles of Mushtaq Ahmed, who looms a bigger danger, at this stage than the younger Adams.

Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)