Highveld Lions fast bowler Hardus Viljoen has been called up to the South African Test squad as cover for Kyle Abbott.

Abbott experienced tightness in his left hamstring at the end of the first Test against England at Kingsmead in Durban.

‘With a short turnaround between the first and second Test, we’ve included Hardus Viljoen in the squad as a precautionary measure to cover all our bases,’ Linda Zondi, the convener of selectors, said.

Viljoen has taken 20 wickets in the first two rounds of the Sunfoil Series, including 10 scalps against the Warriors at the Wanderers to help them win the match by 203 runs.

Dale Steyn is another big injury doubt for the New Years Test with a stiff shoulder and will undergo a fitness Test on Friday, but it is unlikely he will play. Kagiso Rabada is his likely replacement.

South Africa are already without Vernon Philander for the first two Tests of the series and team manager Mohammed Moosajee admitted his available for the third Test was ‘touch and go’.