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Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris drafted in by South Africa

By Mike Patterson

Wednesday 30 December 2015 16:02, UK

Quinton de Kock of South Africa bats during day three of the tour match between South Africa A and England
Image: Quinton de Kock has been in good form in recent weeks

South Africa have added Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris to their squad for the second Test against England in Cape Town.

The Titans duo have been drafted in to boost the squad following the Proteas' 241-run defeat to Alastair Cook's men in Durban.

Wicketkeeper-batsman De Kock, who has scored 264 runs in six Tests, could take over the gloves at Newlands to ease the workload on AB de Villiers, who kept wicket at Kingsmead but dropped two catches during England's second innings.

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AB de Villiers has quashed rumours about international retirement, but has insisted he may need to manage his body going forward.

De Kock scored a half-century for South Africa A against England in their tour match in Pietermaritzburg earlier this month and followed that up with a knock of 117 this week in the Titans' Sunfoil Series victory over Cape Cobras.

Sky Sports expert and Kent batsman Rob Key said: "South Africa have to start backing De Kock to come good as in five years time he could be one of the mainstays of their batting."

All-rounder Morris has played eight one-day internationals and four T20 internationals but is yet to feature in a Test. His presence gives the selectors additional quick bowling options with paceman Dale Steyn a doubt due to his shoulder injury.

PIETERMARITZBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 21: Chris Morris of South Africa reacts whilst bowling during day two of the tour match between South Africa A a
Image: Chris Morris could make his Test debut in the second Test

"Following our performance and injuries in the first Test, we have recognised the need to bolster the squad," said Linda Zondi, the Cricket South Africa convener of selectors. "This will provide us with more selection options for the second Test match at Newlands."

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Steyn will undergo a fitness on Friday ahead of the match which starts in Cape Town on Saturday, with Kagiso Rabada, who was part of the squad for Durban, his likely replacement if he is ruled out.

"Down in Cape Town South Africa are going to need a tall guy who can get pace out of the pitch and complement Morne Morkel and Rabada could be that guy," added Key.

When asked about Steyn's fitness, South Africa captain Hashim Amla said: "Dale might not be fit in time but we'll make that decision on Friday but I certainly hope he does play. Our options are limited without him, he's our banker bowler."

Live Test Cricket

Squad: Hashim Amla (capt), AB de Villiers, Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl

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