Uncapped Western Province left-hander Andrew Puttick will travel with the South Africa team to Sri Lanka as cover for the injured Herschelle Gibbs.
The 23-year-old Puttick scored over 700 first-class runs for Western Province last season and represented the South Africa A side against Sri Lanka A. Gibbs will remain with the squad and receive intensive treatment on his injured ankle.
"It is clear from Andrew's performances for his province and the SA A team that he is a player of skill and talent," said selection convenor Omar Henry on Saturday.
The South Africans arrive in Sri Lanka on Monday.
They play a three-day warm-up game against an invitation XI starting July 30, before the first of two tests in Galle on August 4. They then play five one-day internationals.