Smith says Proteas strong enough to cope if Morne Morkel isn't fit for second Test against India

South African Test captain Graeme Smith said that his men have enough strength in depth to cope without injury doubt fast bowler Morne Morkel in the second Test against India.

The match, starting on Boxing Day at Kingsmead in Durban, is the decisive one in the two-match series after the epic opening draw at the Wanderers, in Johannesburg, which went all the way to the final ball.

According to Sport24, Morkel sustained an ankle injury during the game, which prevented him from bowling in the second innings and is a doubtful starter for Thursday, and Smith said that the fitness of Morkel would play a role in the make-up of the bowling attack for the Test.

However, Smith further said that he believes South Africa has been very fortunate over the last period of time that they have not had too many serious injuries to their frontline seamers, although he added that there is still hope that Morkel would come through.

Another contentious selection issue revolved around spinner Imran Tahir after his failure to trouble the Indians in the first Test or go back to Robin Peterson, with the report adding that there was also the option of playing an all-pace attack with slow-bowling duties cast on JP Duminy.