BOUCHER'S TEST RECORD Tests: 76 Runs: 2,782 (4x100, 17x50) Average: 30.91 here Catches: 277 Stumpings: 13

"The series is poised at 1-1 and we thought we could do with some more experience in the squad," said convenor of selectors Haroon Lorgat.

Boucher, a veteran of 76 Tests, will replace Thami Tsolekile, who played in the opening Test in Port Elizabeth.

The home side could now give the gloves to Boucher and allow AB de Villiers to play as a specialist batsman.

De Villiers did a competent job behind the stumps in the second and third Tests after playing as an opening batsman in the opening match.

But the inclusion of Boucher, perhaps at the expense of Hashim Amla, would give their middle order greater experience.

"I'm absolutely delighted, but also quite shocked to be recalled now," he said.

"I thought my chance to be involved in the series had gone when I wasn't selected in the second and third Test squad because we had no domestic cricket.

All I've been able to play over the festive season is beach cricket Mark Boucher

"I'd be lying if I didn't think at one stage that my international career might be over."

The 28-year-old was controversially dropped from the squad for the tour to India which preceded the England series.

It ended a near continuous run in the side following his Test debut against Pakistan in October 1997.

South Africa, meanwhile, are "optimistic" that swing bowler Charl Langeveldt will be able to play in Johannesburg despite his broken left hand.

He bowled with the injury in Cape Town and took 5-46 in England's first innings.

"We will look at him again on Monday next week, and he will have to pass a fitness test if he is to make the starting XI for the fourth Test," Lorgat added.

South Africa squad for fourth Test: Graeme Smith (capt), Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn.