England has received a boost to their preparations for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa with the news Steven Finn has been added to the squad.

Steven Finn, who was ruled out of England's Test series against Pakistan in October with a bone stress injury in his left foot, bowled with pace and incision during two Twenty20 fixtures in Dubai over the weekend, and will link up with the Test team in Potchefstroom on Monday, December 14.

The "Middlesex fast bowler was initially left out of the 16-man squad for the four-Test series in South Africa, but his addition will strengthen England’s options as they prepare to take on the world’s No1 side in seam-friendly conditions.

"I've been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions," Finn said to BBC Reporter Sports Cricket.

"I've bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine. I'm excited by the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa."

He will become the 17th member of this England tour party.

Aside from his fellow "Cricketer" James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the regular opening pair, England has Chris Woakes, Mark Footitt and Chris Jordan as their other seamers, along with the allrounder Ben Stokes.

However, the 26-year-old, fast bowler sharpness was not in doubt during his comeback performances against Pakistan A this weekend, albeit in four-over performances.

The England are satisfied the injury to Finn's left foot is fully recovered, they are aware he will need more time to regain match fitness and are targeting the second Test in Cape Town, starting on January 2, for Finn's possible return.

Finn was selected in the 15 man squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup which was to be held in Australia and New Zealand, making it Finn's first 50 over World Cup

The first match of England's tour starts on Tuesday, December 15, in Potchefstroom, a three-day fixture against a South Africa Invitational XI.