Opening batsman Herschelle Gibbs and swing bowler Charl Langeveldt are included in the 14-man squad for the second and third Castle Lager/MTN Tests against England announced on Wednesday.
All-rounder Zander de Bruyn is the only member of the team that lost to England in the first Test to be dropped.
Convener of selectors Haroon Lorgat said Gibbs has recovered from a finger injury and will be playing for Western Province-Boland in a Standard Bank Cup match against the Titans on Wednesday night.
”Herschelle Gibbs’s return brings experience to the top order; he is a world-class player and he and Graeme Smith have proved themselves to be one of the best opening pairs in the game,” said Lorgat.
Gibbs last played for South Africa in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in August. He did not make himself available for the tour to India because of his involvement in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal.
Lorgat said it is likely that all-rounder Jacques Kallis will be fit to bowl in the second Test, starting in Durban on Sunday.
”As a result we had to make a call on one of the all-rounders — unfortunately for Zander he is the least experienced of them, which is tough because he had made a sound start to his Test career and is a great team man.”
Lorgat said a fully-fit Kallis means that South Africa will be able to boost the batting line-up.
Regarding the inclusion of Langeveldt, Lorgat said he has been a wonderful performer in the one-day international team since his recall in Sri Lanka.
”He has carried that form through on the domestic scene.
”His ability to swing the ball was crucial in the South Africa A team’s victory over England in Potchefstroom two weeks ago, and his performance there was ample evidence that he is ready for the step up to Test level … we believe that conditions in Durban will suit him well.”
Langeveldt has played in the one-day international team nine times since making his international debut in 2000/01, but has not yet represented South Africa at Test level. He was called up to the national team for the tour to India, but had to withdraw because of injury.
Langeveldt said his call-up to the national team is a wonderful Christmas present.
”I have had a taste of the international game, but Test cricket is the ultimate challenge and I am very excited and honoured at getting an opportunity to prove myself.
”I have worked really hard at my game this year and am looking forward to making a contribution to the squad.”
Nicky Boje has recovered from surgery to remove a malignant growth from his thyroid gland and will be fit to play. His inclusion, and that of Gibbs, will do much to bolster a batting line-up that looked woefully inexperienced in the first Test in Port Elizabeth.
There has been some speculation that AB de Villiers, who opened with Smith in the first Test, may be called on to keep wicket — instead of Thami Tsolekile — because of his superior batting skills.
Hashim Amla is also expected to return to the team for the second Test, but Andrew Hall and Dale Steyn may find themselves carrying the drinks. — Sapa
South African squad: Graeme Smith, Nicky Boje, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Thami Tsolekile.
Coach: Ray Jennings