South Africa named two new caps on Tuesday and recalled spinner Nicky Boje in their 13-man squad to play England in the first Test in Port Elizabeth which starts on December 17.

Opening batsman and wicketkeeper AB de Villiers and fast bowler Dale Steyn earned the call-up after excelling for the Easterns Titans in domestic cricket.

The newly appointed convenor of selectors, Haroon Lorgat, said: "They are two of the most exciting young players in the country at the moment.

"AB has been in rich form...He will be a strong candidate to open the batting with Graeme Smith.

"Steyn has that rare commodity, real pace, and although he is relatively inexperienced, he has shown tremendous potential this season and his form has been outstanding."

Thami Tsolekile, who kept wicket with mixed fortunes in the recent tour of India, was also named in the squad.

Former vice-captain and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was not selected despite also showing good form in domestic cricket but will play for the 'A' team against England in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

"Boucher has been in good form lately and has been given an opportunity in the 'A' side to enhance his claims for a recall to the senior team. His experience will also be of benefit to the younger players," Lorgat said.

"We have stuck, by and large, to those players who toured India and displayed grit and courage in very tough circumstances. We need battle-hardened, mentally tough players for this series and I believe we have them," Lorgat added.

Left-arm spinner Boje was recalled after he withdrew from the India tour because of fears he could be detained by police probing match-fixing allegations. He also had surgery recently to remove a growth in his neck and will have to pass a fitness test before the match."

Justin Ontong, who played in the second Test defeat against India in Kolkata, has been omitted while cricket board spokesman Gerald De Kock said batsman Herschelle Gibbs and strike bowler Andre Nel were not considered due to injury.

England play five Tests and seven one-day internationals over the next three months against South Africa.

• England in South Africa: Schedule

Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Zander de Bruyn, Andrew Hall, Shaun Pollock, Thami Tsolekile, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Nicky Boje (vice-captain), Boeta Dippenaar.