Gibbs returns to South African squad

Herschelle Gibbs and Charl Langeveldt have been included in South Africa's 14-man squad for the second and third Tests against England. But Zander de Bruyn, who played in the first Test, which South Africa lost by seven wickets, has been left out. The second Test starts at Durban on Sunday, and is followed almost immediately by the third, at Cape Town on January 2.

Gibbs last played a Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo earlier this year, but has since been out of international cricket due to a finger injury. Commenting on Gibbs's inclusion, Haroon Lorgat, the new convener of selectors, said: "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."

Langeveldt last played an international game during the Champions Trophy, but impressed during England's warm-up game against South Africa A, taking 7 for 73. Lorgat backed his selection by saying: "He has been a terrific performer for the ODI team since his recall in Sri Lanka in August, and 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 and we believe that conditions in Durban will suit him well."

Langeveldt, 30, has played nine one-day internationals, but hasn't yet made his Test debut. He was delighted at the call-up: "This is a fantastic 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."

There was more good news for South Africa, when Lorgat announced that Jacques Kallis had recovered from the ankle injury which prevented him from bowling at Port Elizabeth. Lorgat said that Kallis's availability as a bowling option prompted the selectors to exclude de Bruyn from the mix. "All the indications are that Kallis will be fit to bowl in Durban and, as a result we had to make a call on one of the allrounders - 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. With a fully fit Kallis in the allrounder's role, it affords us the option of looking at strengthening the batting department."

Meanwhile, it was also announced that Nicky Boje had recovered from a surgery to remove his thyroid gland, and was fit to play too.

South African squad
Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Hashim Amla, Andrew Hall, Shaun Pollock, Charl Langeveldt, Thami Tsolekile (wk), Nicky Boje, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn.