South African Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour has expressed concern over the axing of bowler Makhaya Ntini from the national cricket team playing the second Test in Melbourne against Australia.

Ntini, who has taken four wickets in his previous five Tests and failed to take any in the first Test loss, was replaced by Allan Donald.

Balfour has questioned why, if selection is based on form, Lance Klusener managed to escape the selectors' axe.

United Cricket Board chief executive Gerald Majola says he's not prepared to comment on the merits of the issue other than to say he respects the minister's opinion.

South Africa has an obligation to pick "one player of colour" in the Test side, a requirement satisfied by the inclusion of Herschelle Gibbs.

© 2001 AAP