South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis is battling to recover fitness in time to face England in the first Test match between the two sides at Port Elizabeth, which starts on December 16th.

Kallis is recuperating from a cracked rib that ruled him out of the recent series of one-day internationals between the two countries and head of selectors Mike Procter has said there is only a 50-50 chance he will be fit in time.

Proctor suggested that the rehabilitation process would have to be complete by the time of the test, as the injury may stop Kallis from batting as well as bowling.

"We wouldn't want to jeopardise his chances by doing further damage to him with three more Tests in the series," he remarked.

However, Proctor noted, fast bowler Dale Steyn is set to play after shrugging off a hamstring strain.

Kallis scored three centuries in the five-match Test series the last time England were the visitors five years ago.