Kallis cleared for ODIs

South Africa will be boosted with the return of Jacques Kallis after the all-rounder was cleared of a groin strain. He is likely to play in the first ODI against Australia tomorrow.

Kallis captained the Proteas in the absence of injured skipper Graeme Smith in the Cape Town Test, but broke down with a groin injury while bowling on the last day of the third test.

"It was thought that he had a tear. But the scans showed he has no tear which is very good news, just some scar tissue," team spokesman Michael Owen-Smith said yesterday. "Jacques is a chance to play on Friday."

Meanwhile, captain Graeme Smith is also likely to return after a fractured finger kept him out of the third Test and the two T20s.

Mitchell Johnson, who caused Smith two separate injuries on both hands, is targetting the South African opener again. "I'm looking forward to the challenge again," Johnson said. "It's always good to get the opportunity to bowl with the new ball against an opening batsman like Smith. He's such a great player. He's a strong leader and his team look up to him. They will enjoy having him back in the squad and I'm looking forward to trying to get his wicket."