McLaren in South Africa squad as injury cover

Allrounder Ryan McLaren has been called up to the South Africa squad for the ongoing Test series in Australia, as cover for the injured Jacques Kallis and Vernon Philander. While Philander was left out of the XI for the Adelaide Test - the second of the three-match series - with a stiff back, Jacques Kallis picked up a hamstring injury during the game that is likely to prevent him from playing in the next.

"There are injury concerns around both Jacques Kallis and Vernon Philander," Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson said. "So we have specifically gone for an allrounder, as a like-for-like replacement. Ryan can comfortably bat at No. 7, in addition to his seam-bowling skills."

McLaren has played one Test for South Africa against England in 2010, where he took 1 for 30 and scored 33 not out. He is one of the only genuine allrounders in the South African franchise system. He has played extensively for South Africa A and has been in and out of the national one-day squad, with his most recent outing being against England in September.

McLaren will leave for Australia on Monday evening. The third, in Perth, begins on November 30.