Kiwis go for Walmsley as injury jinx strikes Fleming

New Zealand cleared Chris Martin to play in the second Castle Lager/MTN Test match against South Africa on Thursday and will prefer Kerry Walmsley to Daryl Tuffey in a match the tourists cannot afford to lose.

But the injury jinx that has dogged Stephen Fleming's side around Africa once again reared its head on the eve of the St George's Park Test with the captain himself becoming the latest victim. Fleming needed two stitches to the ring finger of his left hand after taking a ball on the hand during fielding practice.

He should have no difficulty in holding the bat, however, and, with strapping, is expected to be able to take his usual place at first slip.

In another development, Andrew Penn is to return to New Zealand after aggravating a side strain during the three-day match against Border. His departure will leave the tourists with four walking seam bowlers and Tuffey is the man will be the man to miss out in Port Elizabeth with Walmsley's aggression and sharpness against Border winning him a Test place.