Cricket: Gibbs challenge to SA team-mates

Herschelle Gibbs, set to make a comeback as an opening batsman, has challenged some of his star team-mates to regain their best form for South Africa's first Twenty20 international, against New Zealand at the Wanderers Stadium tomorrow.

Gibbs, back from injury, said he expected good performances from the five South Africans who played for the unsuccessful World XI one-day and test teams against Australia.

"I think that the guys who went to the Super Series will want to do well because they have a point to prove. I think their reputations took a bit of a knock."

South Africa started their preparations without captain Graeme Smith, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and allrounders Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock, who were due to arrive back from Australia today.