Parnell dropped from South Africa Test squad

Wayne Parnell, the uncapped left-arm seamer, has been dropped from South Africa's squad for the next two Tests against England in Durban and Cape Town. His omission is the only change from the 15-man unit that prepared for the opening encounter at Centurion Park.

It means South Africa will have 14 players to select from for the next two matches with the fit-again Dale Steyn set to resume his new-ball duties. Steyn's return is likely to mean Friedel de Wet will drop out of the XI, while South Africa's bowling options have increased with Jacques Kallis recovering from his rib injury.

Kallis came on for a surprise bowl during the final afternoon at Centurion and although he operated off about three paces with the wicketkeeper stood up it showed his rehabilitation was on course. The uncapped pair of Alvrio Petersen and Ryan McLaren have again been included to give the selectors options, but it's unlikely either will find a spot in the team and the players who are left out will return to domestic action.

"Those players who do not make the starting XI will be released to play for their franchises in the MTN40," said the selection convener Mike Procter, "and will then rejoin the national squad. It is important that they have opportunities to stay cricket fit."

South Africa squad Graeme Smith (capt), Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher (wk), Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Friedel de Wet, Alvrio Petersen, Ryan McLaren