The choice of Herschelle Gibbs, a 24-year-old right-hander from Cape Town, carries a touch of irony as he comes in as opener to replace Adam Bacher, nephew of Ali Bacher, chief executive of the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA). Bacher has pressed hard for the upliftment of the game outside the favoured white establishment.

Otherwise, there is no change to the 12 chosen for the first Test from whom left-arm spinner Paul Adams, also coloured, was omitted.

Gibbs, whose first representative tour was with the Under-19s to the West Indies in 1992, has already played seven Tests but batted in the middle order without living up to expectations.

His 54 against Australia at Sydney last year is his highest score.

The selection came against a backdrop of strong political pressure for non-white representation in cricket and rugby Test teams.

After a meeting on Saturday, the UCBSA announced it would set up a committee that, in some circumstances, would be able to ensure that ``players of colour'' are included in future. That would extend to clear directives to the selectors.

Steve Tshwete, the sports minister in the African National Congress (ANC) government, has been outspoken since the first Test that what he termed ``lily white'' South African sporting teams will be unacceptable in future.

He said last week that governmental non-interference ``should not be used as a ploy to keep black players on the benches as drinks boys''.

Cricket authorities appear to have taken the point.

Tshwete also warned yesterday that ``it is a cauldron'' (of racial tension) in Port Elizabeth, venue for the second Test.

``The people there are angry at the situation in cricket and rugby,'' he said. ``The feeling of alienation is very strong.''