Fast bowler Vernon Philander's participation in South Africa's first Test against New Zealand, which gets underway in Cape Town on Wednesday, remains in the balance.

Philander is nursing the hamstring injury sustained during a first-class fixture earlier this month, and a decision of his availability for the clash at Newlands will be made early next week.

"Vernon is still in his rehabilitation phase under the watchful eye of the physiotherapist Brandon Jackson. A final call on his availability for the Test match will be made on Tuesday," said team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

All-rounder Jacques Kallis, meanwhile, is nearing full fitness again after enduring a hamstring injury during the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

The strain prevented Kallis from bowling in the third and final fixture in Perth, but his right-arm seam is likely to feature in the series opener in front of his home crowd.

"Jacques' hamstring strain has recovered successfully. He has also been bowling in the nets, so we are satisfied with his progress," added Moosajee.