England vs South Africa: Chris Woakes replaces injured James Anderson for 1st Test

New Delhi: England have included all-rounder Chris Woakes in place of injured bowling spearhead James Anderson for the 1st Test against England beginning at Durban on Saturday.

Anderson's calf injury has given Woakes the chance to play his first Test in 16 months. Woakes too underwent a knee surgery earlier this year.

In another change, T20 specialist Alex Hales has also been included in the English line-up. The 26-year-old will become the eighth opener to partner Alastair Cook since 2012.

South Africa, who suffered a several thrashing at the hands of Virat Kohli-led India in a recently concluded four-match Test series, need to win the series to retain their numero uno spot in ICC Test rankings.

The Hashim Amla-led side will be desperate to bounce back in whites as Cook`s side have won only one out of their last 15 overseas tests.