England elects to bowl, Steyn out for Sth Africa

Uncapped fast bowler Friedel de Wet replaced Dale Steyn in South Africa's team for the first test against England starting Wednesday, after the Proteas chief paceman was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and decided to bowl first, despite England selecting only four specialist bowlers, choosing a sixth batsman in Ian Bell, who is playing in his 50th Test.

Strauss' decision to send the hosts in was prompted by the sight of a Supersport Park pitch with a bit of grass on it.

"We think it might do a little bit this morning, so a good opportunity to get stuck in and put some pressure on the South Africans," said Strauss at the toss.

South Africa's only defeat at the ground _ formerly known as Centurion Park _ in 14 Tests was when they lost by two wickets against England in 2000. In that match each side forfeited an innings to create the possibility of a result. Later it was revealed that then Proteas captain Hansie Cronje had pushed these tactics after discussions with bookmakers.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said: "It's disappointing to lose someone of Dale's calibre, but it's a massive opportunity for Friedel."

South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini is playing his 100th Test, becoming the fifth South African to reach that milestone.

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Teams:

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, A.B. de Villiers, J.P. Duminy, Mark Boucher, Paul Harris, Morne Morkel, Friedel de Wet, Makhaya Ntini.

England: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graham Onions.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Steve Davis (Australia)

TV umpire: Amiesh Saheba (India)

Match referee: (Roshan Mahanama (Sri Lanka)