Uncapped Durham seamer Mark Davies will soon leave for South Africa to be part of the England Test squad.

He has been called up as cover for Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson, the England team management said.

A statement on the England and Wales Cricket Board website said, "It had been hoped Anderson's knee complaint was behind him but he has continued to experience soreness from a mystery injury that has not been diagnosed despite scans.

Fast bowler Sidebottom has a side strain while James Anderson has a knee injury.

England are due to play South Africa in Centurion in the first Test on December 16.

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