South Africa willing to gamble: Smith

South Africa captain Graeme Smith [Images] may gamble in the fifth Test to try and avoid a first home series defeat by England [Images] for 30 years.

The tourists, who last won a series in South Africa in 1964-65, need just a draw after taking a 2-1 lead by winning the fourth Test in sensational style earlier this week.

"Winning is the only option, losing or drawing means nothing," Smith told a news conference on Thursday.

"There are going to be times when we are going to have to risk a few things, and maybe selection is one of them."

South Africa may be tempted to pick an extra bowler, with the most likely candidate being fast bowler Andre Nel [Images].

Nel, who last played a test against New Zealand [Images] in Wellington in March last year, came into the squad as cover for the injured Charl Langeveldt.

Langeveldt, who fractured his hand while batting in the third Test in Cape Town, has been ruled out.

"Nel is an in-your-face bustler, but it is unfortunate to lose Langeveldt," Smith said.

All rounder Andrew Hall [Images], who played in the first Test against England, could also earn a recall at the expense of Boeta Dippenaar or A B de Villiers.

South Africa were set a target of 325 in two sessions and two overs to win the third Test in Johannesburg on Monday, and were dismissed for 247 in 59.3 overs as England won by 77 runs with 8.3 overs left in the match.

"We've let ourselves down at various times in this series, and the disappointing thing about the fourth Test is how close we came," Smith said.

"It's crucial that we realise that a bit of graft in certain areas can gain you a lot of benefit."

Smith was concussed when he was hit by a ball during one of the team's fielding warm-up sessions during the third test.

He defied medical advice and batted in South Africa's second innings, scoring a heroic 67 not out.

"I was seeing stars when I batted, and I was on tablets. Perhaps I should take them again."

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