England’s pacer James Anderson has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa in Durban on 26 December because of injury.
Anderson, 33, has been struggling with tightness in his right calf muscle.
England’s leading Test wicket-taker was rested for the warm-up match against South Africa A this week and has bowled just five overs on the tour.
Two from Steven Finn, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan or Mark Footitt are set to join Stuart Broad in England’s attack.
Anderson played in all three Tests against Pakistan in the UAE over the autumn, where he took 13 wickets, but missed the final two Tests of the home Ashes series against Australia with a side strain.
