England recall Ballance for South Africa opener

  Photo: AFP London: Batsman Gary Ballance has been give a chance to revive his England Test career after being named in the squad for next Thursday's first Test against South Africa. The Zimbabwe-born 27-year-old has battled his way back into contention with a superb season for Yorkshire in the County Championship after being dropped following a torrid series against Bangladesh last October. Ballance's county team-mate Joe Root will lead the side for the first time since replacing Alastair Cook as skipper in February, although the Essex opener retains his place in the squad. Senior bowler Stuart Broad was included after shaking off a heel problem, while uncapped Middlesex seamer Toby Roland- Jones could make his Test debut at his home ground with Chris Woakes and Jake Ball ruled out through injury. Roland-Jones, 29, made his one-day international debut last month at Lord's against Ireland and is joined by Mark Wood, who earns a recall after almost a two-year hiatus.