Paul Adams could play his first Test in two years after being named in the South Africa squad to take on India this month.
The 29-year-old left-arm wrist spinner played the last of his 45 Tests against New Zealand in Hamilton in March, 2004.
"Paul is capable as a strike bowler and, in the absence of obvious alternatives, we want to give ourselves the opportunity of looking at him in building our test squad," selection convenor Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying in a Cricket South Africa statement on Thursday.
"It will be up to Paul to show us that he can still do the job."
Adams has played just one Supersport Series first-class match for his franchise, the Cobras, this season in which he bowled eight overs and conceded 36 runs without taking a wicket.
All rounder Andrew Hall and fast bowlers Andre Nel and Dale Steyn were selected despite carrying injuries.
"Andrew Hall's injury has forced the medical staff to rest him until the end of the week when an assessment on his right knee and quadricep will be made," team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said.
"Should all be well, he will start exercising this weekend."
Jabaar added that Nel's injured right index finger was not broken.
"The x-rays were negative for any bony injury and it was concluded that in addition to the soft tissue injury to his finger, he also had bone bruising that was causing the excessive pain he was experiencing," Jabaar said.
Steyn is in the final stages of rehabilitation from his left thigh strain and should be able to start bowling this weekend, the statement said.
The first of three Tests between South Africa and India will start in Johannesburg on December 15.
Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Paul Adams, Hashim Amla, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Jacques Kallis, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn.
