Proteas confirm Morkel's Test return

Giant South African Morne Morkel will play his first Test in more than a year for the first clash of their three-match series against New Zealand.

A back injury has kept the 1.96-metre Morkel away from the top level since January last year, when South Africa beat England at Centurion. He has played just two first-class matches since.

However, captain Faf du Plessis says the 32-year-old is fit enough to play five days in the cool of Dunedin, where temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-teens for most of the Test.

"He looks good. If he's not going to be able to play now we will never know if we don't take that chance," du Plessis said.

"All the reports say he's 100 per cent fine ... he's bowled a lot of overs and he seems pretty confident so we just have to step out and see what he's got for us."

Morkel's experience from 71 Tests, which includes New Zealand conditions, meant he got the nod ahead of Duanne Olivier, who has one Test under his belt.

"I'm really excited to see what he's got. We've missed him," du Plessis said.

"He's fresh, it's a long time away from the game and it makes him really hungry to perform."

Morkel was also picked for his success against left-handers as there may be as many as five in the New Zealand side.

"He's terrible to face in the nets as a right-hander because you always feel like you are going to get hit in the ribs," du Plessis said.

"But obviously (it's) the opposite to lefties, it goes away."

Du Plessis said his side would have to get used to the cold on the south island, adding he was predicting New Zealand would try something different after bringing off-spinner Jeetan Patel in for the Tests.

"It's not an excuse for anyone of us," he said.

"We just have to make sure we rock up here with the right attitude and play some good cricket.

"I expect that throughout the series New Zealand will look to try and play two spinners ... maybe they see that as an opportunity where they can beat us."