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Morne Morkel recalled to South Africa's Test team after long absence

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 02:  Morne Morkel of South Africa bowls during day one of the 2nd Test at Newlands Stadium on January 2, 2016 in Cape Tow
Image: Morne Morkel is ready for his Test cricket return

Morne Morkel has been recalled to South Africa's Test side after more than a year out with back problems.

The pace bowler will join Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada in the South Africa attack for the first Test against New Zealand at the University Oval in Dunedin, which starts on Tuesday night (UK time) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Morkel has only played one first-class match since last July with his only two outings in 2017 having come for his Titans team in the Momentum One-Day Cup - his last Test was during the home series with England in January 2016.

He had been due to return for the home series against Sri Lanka, which the Proteas won 3-0, but was ruled out when his back flared up again.

Captain Faf du Plessis said Morkel's selection over Duanne Olivier had been largely due to his effectiveness against New Zealand's trio of top-order left-handed batsmen.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes the ICC has opened a "can of worms"
Image: South Africa captain Faf du Plessis says Morne Morkel's inclusion is a risk worth taking

"He looks good. If he is not going to be able play now, then we will never know if we don't take the chance. He is a fantastic bowler," Du Plessis said.

"All the reports say he is 100 per cent fine. He's bowled a lot of overs and he is pretty confident. He will just have to step out and see what he can do."

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"You've got to make sure you pick your strongest team for the guys you are playing against.

"Bounce is a huge factor and the angle of the ball as it comes out of his hand - it goes into right-handers and away from left-handers.

"He's terrible to face in the nets as a right-hander because you always feel like it's going to hit you in the ribs."