Fit Krejza ready for Perth challenge

Melbourne, Dec 10: Australia offspinner Jason Krejza has declared himself fit for the first Test against South Africa next week.

The match starts in Perth on December 17 and Krejza, with a new ankle brace, is already planning a follow-up to his 12-wicket haul in his debut Test in India last month.

Krejza twisted his right ankle during training before the second Test against New Zealand in Adelaide, which ruled him out of the contest. He had been set for a recall after missing out at the Gabba, but his injury gave Nathan Hauritz an unexpected chance.

Krejza safely negotiated Adelaide Oval's sodden outfield - where he twisted his ankle two weeks ago today, robbing him of a home Test - during Tasmania''s training yesterday, The Australian reported.

The off-spinner has already been endorsed by chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch as a likely starter in next Wednesday's first Test on the spinners' graveyard that is the WACA Ground.

Krejza's final hurdle is today's one-day match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval - essentially an extended fitness test for Perth.

The ankle injury and his relegation to 12th man in Brisbane means Krejza has not played a competitive game of cricket since taking 12 wickets on debut in India a month ago.

"The ankle's feeling beautiful. I've got a good ankle brace at the moment so it's holding up really well, so I can't really feel it any more ... it's brilliant," Krejza said after yesterday's two-hour training session.

Krejza, 25, said he had "100 per cent" movement in the joint and moved freely, although at times cautiously, during an hour of fielding drills on a wet Adelaide Oval. (ANI)

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