South Africa forced to pull leg-spinner out from squad

London, Jan 10 (ANI): South Africa was forced to pull leg-spinner Imran Tahir out of their Test squad barely 24 hours after calling him up.

Selectors thought the Pakistan-born star, 30, was qualified because his wife is a South African. But they were wrong, as the new Warwickshire signing has not yet fulfilled the criteria.

Wayne Parnell is set to replace quickie Friedel de Wet in the line-up while Makhaya Ntini's omission almost certainly spells the end of his international career.

The paceman, 32, is set to take up the contract offer from Middlesex first, News of the World reports.

Johannesburg is bracing itself for the arrival of 4,000 England fans as Andrew Strauss' side chase a series victory.

The influx is a huge boost to Cricket South Africa as crowds have been dwindling recently. (ANI)