Westley could make his Test debut next week

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Essex batsman Tom Westley could make his international debut in the third Test against South Africa after he was called up to the England squad.

Westley has been included in the side after fellow batsman Gary Ballance was ruled out of the match with a fractured left index finger.

Ballance sustained the injury after being struck on the hand by a short ball from Proteas seamer Morne Morkel on the fourth day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan, who made his Twenty20 International debut last month, was also drafted into the side and could play in his first Test match if England opt to include another batsman in their playing XI.

Despite fairing poorly in the first two Tests, opener Keaton Jennings and pace bowler Mark Wood have retained their spots in the squad.

Jennings has only managed to score 44 runs at an average of 11, while Wood, who was cleared to play in the third Test after complaining of pain in his left heel, has taken one wicket at an average of 197.

England and South Africa are tied at 1-1 going into the third Test, which begins on July 27 at The Oval.