Morne Morkel called up for Tests in Pakistan

Morne Morkel, the young fast bowler, has been included in South Africa's 14-man squad for a two-Test series in Pakistan next month. He is the fifth pace bowler in the side after Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn and Andre Nel while batsman Jean-Paul Duminy has earned his first Test call-up.

Morkel, 22, has been in good form in the ICC World Twenty20 at home, taking eight wickets in four matches at an average of 11.00. He made his Test debut against India in December as a replacement for the injured Steyn.

National selection convener Joubert Strydom, when accouncing the squad, stressed on the importance of the series for Herschelle Gibbs. "The two Tests will allow Herschelle Gibbs the opportunity to establish himself as Graeme Smith's regular opening partner," he said. "We also feel it is important for JP Duminy to gain experience of the Test match environment and of cricket on the sub-continent generally.

"This is a settled Test squad that developed very well in the home Test series last season and it is important that they continue to grow ahead of very demanding away series against India, England and Australia in the course of the next 15 months."

South Africa depart for Pakistan on September 25, the day after the World Twenty20 final. They will play a three-day warm-up match in Karachi starting September 27 followed by Tests in Karachi from October 1 to 5 and Lahore from October 8 to 12. South Africa's squad for five one-day internationals following the Test series will be announced after the Twenty20 tournament.

South African Test squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn.