Kallis returns to Twenty20 action against New Zealand

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22 (Reuters) Jacques Kallis will play for South Africa in Friday's Twenty20 international against New Zealand, captain Graeme Smith said today.

Kallis, the nation's leading run-scorer in tests and one-day internationals, was controversially omitted from the squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, which they exited before the semi-final stage, hosted by South Africa in September.

''Jacques will play tomorrow,'' Smith said when asked about the all-rounder at a news conference today.

South Africa's captain added that Shaun Pollock, their leading wicket-taker who sat out the two tests against New Zealand, will be in in the starting XI.

South Africa have made just one change to the squad that won a limited-overs series in Pakistan last month, with the hero of the test series against the Kiwis, fast bowler Dale Steyn, coming in for batsman Justin Kemp.

Smith said he was pleased to have a settled team.

''I'm glad there's consistency of selection because it builds an environment that breeds success. The more time you spend together, the better your results,'' he said.

REUTERS TB RN2108