Holland, 30, was named in the 15-man squad on Monday, joining West Australian fast-bowler Jhye Richardson as the only additions to the bulk of the squad which had regained the Ashes this summer.

While he will tour South Africa, that the four Tests will be held in the fast-bowling friendly conditions of Durban, Cape Town and Wanderers means the tourists almost certainly will have only Nathan Lyon take to the field as their spinner. Port Elizabeth, where the second Test will be held, looms as Holland's only hope of adding to his two Tests.

Holland was preferred ahead of Ashton Agar, who was drafted into the Ashes squad in Sydney but did not play. Agar is seen as more of an allrounder, while Holland is a specialist left-arm finger spinner.

Selection chairman Trevor Hohns said Holland had deserved a recall.

"Jon was the second leading wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield last season and has performed well in the games he has played for Victoria this season," he said.

"We envisage the wickets we will see in South Africa will not warrant the need to play two spinners. Therefore, should Nathan not be able to play at any stage, we wanted to have the best specialist spinner available to us and based on current red ball form Jon warrants that spot."

Holland played his only Tests for Australia against Sri Lanka in mid-2016, but struggled having been called up unexpectedly to replace the injured Steve O'Keefe.

He was the outstanding spinner in the Sheffield Shield last season, named man of the match as the Bushrangers claimed their third straight title, and bowled well in his two games during an injury-interrupted first half of the campaign.

However, Holland conceded his chances of a return to the Test side were highly unlikely after being overlooked for the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

"I probably thought if I wasn't going to get picked this time they probably have [drawn a line through my name]," he told The Age only a few weeks ago, taking aim at perceived inconsistencies from the Australian selectors.

"I would have loved another crack at it. It's pretty disappointing."

Richardson, called in to the one-day squad against England, will be one of five fast bowlers, joining the frontline attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, with Jackson Bird also in a back-up role.

"Jhye is a talented right-armer that bowls with very good pace through the air. He impressed in his first One-Day International and has bowled well in the Sheffield Shield this season. He is an exciting young prospect who will benefit immensely from his time with this squad," Hohns said.

Victorian Peter Handscomb, dropped after the second Ashes Test, retains his spot as a reserve batsman and wicketkeeper.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, who began well against England but faded, was also retained, but will be under significant pressure should he fail early in the series.

The squad will leave on February 15, with the exception of David Warner, who will captain Australia in the Twenty20 series against New Zealand and England. The first Test is in Durban, beginning March 1.

The tourists are determined to improve their poor recent record on the road and are keen for redemption against the Proteas, who emerged victorious on local shores last summer and sparked a major shake-up in the Australian camp, including the resignation of selection chairman Rod Marsh.

"The South African Series is a very important one and we have made no secret of our desire to improve our record away from home. As such, we wanted to ensure the players had the best possible preparation and that means playing the tour match prior to the first Test," Hohns said.

Australian Test ???squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc.