AFP, HAMILTON: Injured South African Quinton de Kock was Friday cleared to play in the third Test against New Zealand after captain Faf du Plessis said resting the influential wicketkeeper-batsman was not an option.
Despite South Africa having an unbeatable 1-0 lead going into Saturday's final Test, du Plessis described their batting as "not good enough" and said he wanted his best possible team on the field.
South African team medical officials say it could take several weeks for the ligament damage in de Kock's right index finger to heal.
But after wearing a protective covering to dull the pain during batting and fielding practice he was given approval to play.