Ballance recalled for SA opener

Batsman Gary Ballance has been give a chance to revive his England Test career after being named in the squad for next Thursday's first Test against South Africa.

The 27-year-old has battled his way back into contention with a superb season in the County Championship after being dropped following a torrid series against Bangladesh last October.

"Gary Ballance could play his first Test since October," said national selector James Whitaker. "He has been in fantastic touch with the bat in the Championship averaging over 100. He deserves to be included and he will add maturity and experience."

Squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Liam Dawson, Keaton Jennings, Toby Roland-Jones, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.