South Africa have suffered another blow ahead of the Test series against England with Marchant de Lange also forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.

Fast bowler De Lange has pulled out with a lower back stress fracture and will be replaced by all-rounder Albie Morkel.

"Marchant has been diagnosed with a lower-back stress fracture and will require at least six weeks rest and rehabilitation," Brandon Jackson, Proteas physiotherapist, said.

"A bone scan was done after his lower-back pain worsened in the past week, showing inflammation in the bottom vertebrae of the spine."

National Convenor of Selectors Andrew Hudson added: "Albie is the ideal replacement for Marchant as he comes into the squad with invaluable knowledge and experience of the UK conditions.

"He has a good first-class record and his ability to swing the ball and to contribute with the bat lower down the order gave us the extra incentive to rope him in."

De Lange, who has picked up nine wickets in his two Test matches for South Africa, was unlikely to play in the first Test with Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander expected to make up the three-man fast bowling attack. However, he would've forced himself into the side if South Africa opted for an all-out pace attack later in the series.

De Lange is the second player to pull out of the squad following Mark Boucher's enforced retirement after picking up a serious eye injury during the tour match against Somerset on Monday.