JOHANNESBURG, (AFP)
Australia received a huge boost ahead of Friday's first Test with South Africa when Shaun Pollock and Justin Ontong both announced their withdrawals because of injury.

"It's one of the most disappointing days of my career," South African captain Pollock told a news conference, where he annouced his withdrawal because of a strained left thigh muscle.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher will take over as Test captain for the first time in his career.

"It's a big moment for me, but it's a big loss for Polly," Boucher said.

Pollock revealed he first felt the pain in his left side during the VB Series final against New Zealand in Australia earlier this month, but at the time did not think it was serious.

He felt the pain again after bowling four overs last weekend in a provincial match for KwaZulu-Natal.

His place will now be taken by paceman Andre Nel, who was described by Australian vice-captain and wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist as "a new challenge for us, should he play."

Pollock has not missed a Test since the match against England at Old Trafford in 1998, and this is the first Test he has missed in South Africa since Australia's last here, the third at Centurion in 1996-97.

Ontong was also forced out after suffering a left hamstring injury during a touch-rugby session before the start of practice Wednesday. He was later seen limping away from the practice field.

Team physiotherapist Craig Smith said he hoped Pollock would be fit for the second Test, starting in Cape Town on March 8.

Ontong, though, could miss the whole three-Test series with Smith predicting it could take up to four weeks for his injury to heal.

The uncapped Ashwell Prince, who stroked 92 for South Africa A against Australia at Potchefstroom earlier this week, will take Ontong's place.

He has been selected ahead of Graeme Smith - the opener who was originally named in the squad, but who was nailed by Glenn McGrath for 0 at Potchefstroom - Daryll Cullinan and Jacques Rudolph, who has slipped further down the pecking order since his selection for the third Test in Australia in December was vetoed by UCBSA President Percy Sonn.

The selection of Prince is reminiscent of England's decision to call up Usman Afzaal as a late replacement ahead of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in 2001. Afzaal, a flashy, 24-year-old left-hander, made 4 and 2, and was dropped. Prince, also a flashy, 24-year-old left-hander, will hope to fare a little better.

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