Dippenaar drafted into NatWest Series

Boeta Dippenaar has been drafted into South Africa's one-day squad as a replacement for the injured batsman Neil McKenzie.

McKenzie, who damaged a disc in his lower back during South Africa's victory over Bangladesh last month, has been ruled out of the NatWest Series, but still hopes to recover in time for the first Test at Edgbaston on July 24.

"Boeta was the logical choice, he has been in the mix for a number of years and has performed well," said Omar Henry, South Africa's chairman of selectors. "This is another opportunity for him to nail down a place in the one-day team."

Dippenaar has made 61 limited-overs appearances, scoring 1,810 runs at an average of 42, and had already been included in the Test squad. "It's a pleasant surprise," he said. "I know the England tour is a really big one and I was looking forward to the Tests. Now it's great to be part of the whole trip. It's going to be very special."

McKenzie was philosophical about his omission. "I have made good progress, but I am probably two weeks short of full fitness," he said. "If I pushed myself to be ready for the one-dayers I might risk missing out on the whole tour and I'd rather make sure I am 100% for the Test series."