Simon Jones is recalled for the out-of-form James Anderson

The first day's play in the fifth Test between England and South Africa at Centurion has been lost to rain.

The officials hoped to start at 12pm and then 3pm local time but on each occasion the rain returned before the captains could get out for the toss.

Umpires Steve Bucknor and Aleem Dar ran out of patience at 3.20pm (1320 GMT).

The forecast for Saturday onwards is better, and early starts - at 0800 GMT - on all four remaining days could provide a result on a green wicket.

England did not name a side on Friday, but Jon Lewis was optimistic of gaining a surprise debut.

The hosts announced early that they would play both Andrew Hall and Andre Nel.

These are bowler-friendly conditions, so I may get a chance Jon Lewis

Batsman Boeta Dippenaar and fast bowler Dale Steyn were the men to be dropped, with South Africa playing five seamers and one spinner.

England lead the series 2-1 with just this final Test remaining so South Africa desperately need to win.

Nel, who played his last Test in New Zealand in March, 2004, has been out for five months with a pinched nerve in his back.

He said: "I've got five months of aggression saved up, and I'll try and use that in a positive manner.

"I'll be aggressive, but in a controlled way. I've got a few things to prove to a few people."

I wouldn't be too saddened if this Test match turned out to be a washout From L Have your say on TMS

Lewis, 29, who has not played Test cricket and has only arrived in South Africa as squad back-up, could yet gain a cap.

He said: "I'm an English type of bowler, and the pitch is green which means the ball might swing.

"These are bowler-friendly conditions, so I may get a chance. It's something I've been waiting for for a long time... all the hours in the gym could finally pay off."

He has spent much of the winter at the Academy in Loughborough.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt.), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher (wkt), Andrew Hall, Nicky Boje, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.