Sport

South Africa call up bowler Hardus Viljoen to squad

Proteas look to rally in second Test with England in Cape Town

Hardus Viljoen: called up as cover for Kyle Abbott as he is struggling with a hamstring injury. Photograph: Getty Images
Hardus Viljoen: called up as cover for Kyle Abbott as he is struggling with a hamstring injury. Photograph: Getty Images
Thu Dec 31 2015 - 16:17

South Africa have added bowler Hardus Viljoen to their squad for the second Test with England in Cape Town.

The Proteas, who were soundly beaten in the first Test in Durban on Wednesday, have called up the paceman as cover for Kyle Abbott as he is struggling with a hamstring injury.

The hosts' problems are mounting following their 241-run loss, with leading marksman Dale Steyn nursing a shoulder injury which makes him doubtful for the New Year Test starting on Saturday.

"With a short turnaround between the first and second Tests, we've included Hardus in the squad as a precautionary measure to cover all our bases," said CSA convener of selectors Linda Zondi. "Hardus has taken 20 wickets in the first two rounds of the Sunfoil Series."

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Viljoen's inclusion follows call-ups for Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris as the current world number one side aim to bounce back in the four-match series.