Henderson replaces Boje in South African tour party

Western Province left-arm spinner Claude Henderson has replaced Nicky Boje in the South African squad which leaves for a three-Test tour of Australia on Saturday. Boje is suffering from patella tendinitis and, after having a scan on Wednesday, was deemed not fit enough to travel.

It is likely, however, that Boje will join the South Africans for the triangular one-day series in the new year.

"It does not look as bad as it did, but on advice from the surgeon we can't take the risk of Nicky going to Australia now," said the South African team physiotherapist Craig Smith. "Nicky will have treatment and rehabilitation in South Africa and maybe some domestic cricket over the next few weeks."

Boje missed South Africa's early-season tour of Zimbabwe, with Henderson coming in to win his first two Test caps. Boje, however, won back his place during the Standard Bank triangular series and played in both official Tests against India as well as the unofficial third "Test" at SuperSport Park.

He was patently below his best, however, and in this respect the recall of Henderson should strengthen the South African's hand. For some years now Henderson has been viewed by many as the best left-arm spinner in South Africa, but he has had to stand in line behind Paul Adams and then Boje.

On flat pitches in Zimbabwe that aided neither seam nor spin, Henderson was South Africa's leading wicket-taker in the two Tests, picking up 11 for 353. Of perhaps more significance than his return was the confidence that seemed to seep into him with each spell. It remains to be seen, though, how he will fare against a tough Australian side.