Olivier, Morris added to South Africa Test squad

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier and allrounder Chris Morris have been added to South Africa's squad for the last two Tests against Australia but there was no room for Dale Steyn, who has yet to play a competitive match since injuring his heel in January. With Kagiso Rabada's participation in the rest of the series hinging on whether he succeeds in his appeal against a Level 2 sanction on Monday, the selectors opted to boost the bowling resources in the squad.

"Circumstances have forced us to name a large squad at this stage so that we can cover all possible options," Linda Zondi, the convener of selectors, said. "We have retained the 15 players who produced an excellent performance to level the Test series in Port Elizabeth. Olivier was the pick of our bowlers for South Africa A in their tour match against Australia while Morris has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, taking four wickets in an innings and making more than 150 runs, including a century, for the Titans in the Sunfoil Series against the log-leading Warriors."

Neither Olivier nor Morris were named in the original squad. Olivier last played Test cricket against Bangladesh at the start of the summer, while Morris hasn't played a Test match since July 2017 in England. Morris was part of the group that was named to play India, but did not play a Test match and coach Ottis Gibson said he felt Morris had "work to do" after the limited-overs matches. However, with South Africa needing players immediately, they don't have time for that work to be done.

It is also not guaranteed that either Olivier or Morris will play a Test, even if Rabada remains suspended. Morne Morkel, who did not play in Port Elizabeth, is likely to replace Rabada with Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi making up the rest of the pace attack.