CAPE TOWN: South Africa have called on the uncapped pair of Heinrich Klaasen and Theunis de Bruyn for the three-match Test series in New Zealand next month, while there is also a return for fast bowler Morne Morkel.

Wicket-keeper/batsman Klaasen will act as cover for Quinton de Kock, while de Bruyn is retained from the squad that beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 118 runs in their last Test in Johannesburg in January.

Right-hander Klaasen finished the domestic four-day competition with 635 runs at an average of 48.84, including a best of 195.

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier, the leading wicket-taker in domestic cricket this season, made his debut in that game, posting match figures of 5-57, and has been retained.

There is also a recall for fit-again Chris Morris, whose last Test was against England in January 2016, while Morkel has also spent the last 13 months on the sidelines with back problems.

“Heinrich Klaasen was one of the top performers throughout the [domestic] season and he is rewarded for his form,” Cricket South Africa selection convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Friday.

Morkel, 32, last played in an international match in June and since then has struggled with a persistent back injury which threatened to end his career.

He was part of South Africa’s Test tour of Australia in October and November last year but his injury flared up again after he played in two warm-up matches.

The tall fast bowler has undergone extensive rehabilitation and returned to action in a domestic one-day game last week.

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, J.P. Duminy, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2017