Dippenaar gets the chance to build on his impressive one-day record

McKenzie was on Tuesday ruled out of the forthcoming NatWest Series in England after failing to recover from a back injury.

The 27-year-old tore a disc in his lower back during the second Test against Bangladesh six weeks ago, and a fitness test last weekend showed he was still struggling.

The injury opens a door for Dippenaar, who was originally included in the Test squad only for the tour of England.

"Boeta was the logical choice, he has been in the mix for a number of years and has performed well," said head of selectors Omar Henry.

"This is another opportunity for him to nail down a place in the one-day team."

South Africa in England: Full tour itinerary

Dippenaar has made 61 limited-overs appearances, scoring 1,810 runs at an average of 42.

He said: "It's a pleasant surprise. I know the England tour is a really big one and I was looking forward to the Tests.

"Now it's great to be part of the whole trip. It's going to be very special.''

The triangular NatWest series gets underway on 26 June at Trent Bride when England face Zimbabwe.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa hopes McKenzie will be available for the five-Test series against England, which begins at Edgbaston on 24 July.

"I have made good progress, but I am probably two weeks short of full fitness," McKenzie said.

"If I pushed myself to be ready for the one-dayers I might risk missing out on the whole tour and I'd rather make sure I am 100% for the Test series."