Steven Finn will be given every chance to prove he is fit to play the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.

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Finn was not named in the original 16-man squad due to a bone stress injury in his left foot but joined the party in Potchefstroom after a successful trip to Dubai with the England Lions.

Having sat out the first tour match against a South Africa Invitational XI the series opener in Durban looked an optimistic aim for the 6ft 7in paceman. But bowling coach Ottis Gibson has worked at close quarters with Finn in recent days and has seen enough to consider him ready for action.

England complete their warm-up schedule with a three-day game against South Africa A starting tomorrow and Finn is pushing hard for a place.

“He’s put himself in the frame,” said Gibson. “He has been excellent. He has obviously done a lot of work in the UAE and the guys over there who looked after him did a great job getting him up to speed.”

With Alex Hales having been all but promised the second opener’s slot, despite his modest performance at Senwes Park, and Jonny Bairstow keeping the gloves ahead of Jos Buttler, the identity of England’s third seamer is the only real selection poser left.

As well as Finn, England have Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt vying for the shirt. And it is possible three of the four will face South Africa A, with new ball bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad rested