Leg-spinner Imran Tahir has been added to South Africa's squad for the first Test against Pakistan, which gets underway in Johannesburg this week.

Tahir's inclusion is as cover for fellow slow bowler Robin Peterson, who is nursing a hand injury sustained during the recent ODI series defeat to New Zealand.

"We are confident that Robbie will be fit to play," said selection convener Andrew Hudson. "But it is prudent to have a cover player for him available to take a full part in the team's preparation this week."

Tahir's last Test was against Australia in Adelaide in November 2012, when his match figures of zero for 180 were recorded as the second-worst figures by a South African.

The Pakistan-born 33-year-old, however, has been in fine form at domestic level this year, including a second-innings seven-for the Lions against the Dolphins in Durban.

An international comeback against his country of birth would mark a 12th Test cap for his adopted nation.