The 21-year-old will provide support for Free State Eagles team-mate Nicky Boje, their first-choice spin option.

"We want him to develop and gain experience with the squad, especially in sub-continent conditions," said chief selector Haroon Lorgat.

Herschelle Gibbs has been recalled after losing his place during the home series against New Zealand in April.

He has been preferred to Jacques Rudolph, who misses out despite a successful tour to Sri Lanka last year with South Africa's A team.

"In the coming season we will focus on players who can produce match winning performances as we strive to become the best team in the world.

"We expect to face tough choices this season as the quality of our fringe players improve," Lorgat added.

The side will again be captained by Graeme Smith, with Ashwell Prince stepping up as his deputy in the absence of Jacques Kallis, who misses the tour following elbow surgery.

South Africa have a single three-day warm-up game before beginning the first Test in Colombo on 27 July.

South Africa Test squad: Graeme Smith (Captain); Ashwell Prince (vice-captain); Hashim Amla; Nicky Boje; Mark Boucher; AB de Villiers; Boeta Dippennaar; Herschelle Gibbs; Andrew Hall; Andre Nel; Makhaya Ntini; Shaun Pollock; Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala.