Durban: England has recalled Chris Woakes for the first of four tests against top ranked South Africa, starting in Durban on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Warwickshire bowler replaces pacer James Anderson, who has a right calf injury.
Anderson is "more disappointed than anyone else but it gives Chris a great opportunity," England captain Alastair Cook said at a news conference Friday.
Woakes has only four test appearances - his last against India in August 2014 - with a bowling average of 52.16 and batting average of 37.50.
Anderson, who is England's leading test wicket-taker with 426 wickets, hopes to play in the second test in Cape Town, starting January 2.
Stuart Broad will lead the attack against South Africa, with Steven Finn, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali lining up alongside Woakes.
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