Viljoen could make his Test debut on January 2

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Uncapped pace bowler Hardus Viljoen has been brought in as a potential replacement for fellow seamer Kyle Abbott for the second Test against England, which starts on January 2 in Cape Town.

Abbott, who has been experiencing tightness in his left hamstring, bowled 45.4 overs and claimed two wickets in the first Test in Durban.

Viljoen, 26, has played 73 first-class matches and has taken 295 wickets at an impressive average of 25.65.

With the second Test just over the horizon, Cricket South Africa wanted to make sure they had a suitable replacement for Abbott should he not be fit enough to feature in Cape Town.

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

South Africa will head into the second Test trailing England 1-0 as they were beaten by 241 runs in Durban.