Jacques Kallis, the man whose absence arguably cost South Africa the match against Australia on Sunday, is again doubtful for today's repeat in the second World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

It was the assault of Australia's captain Steve Waugh on his South African counterpart Hansie Cronje and Nicky Boje, who shared the fifth bowler's allocation and were struck for 79 runs, which swung the match at Headingley.

At the start of the World Cup Kallis was bowling more sharply than Shaun Pollock and is one of the competition's leading all-rounders with 259 runs and seven wickets. But he is still troubled by a stomach strain.

South Africa expect Kallis to be back to full health by the weekend, but are likely to risk him today if he is close to playing fitness. South African coach Bob Woolmer, perhaps in his last match in charge, said last night: "Jacques is 50-50 but he's desperate to play. We will have a look but we don't want to rush him into it."

Waugh feels Kallis will play, but said yesterday: "If he does there must be a big question mark over his bowling. I know what it can be like bowling with a stomach injury."

Woolmer, who defended Cronje's bowling, added: "We have hardly ever won a game at Headingley. This is almost a home game for us. Some of us know Edgbaston very well."

Australia's only likely change from Sunday will be to bring back Darren Lehmann at the expense of Damien Martyn.