South African fast bowler Vernon Philander has been cleared to play in the first Test against New Zealand, which gets underway at Newlands on Wednesday.

Philander sustained a hamstring injury during a first-class fixture at the same venue earlier this month, casting his participation in the series opener into doubt.

Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said a final call on the right-arm seamer's availability would be made 24 hours before the start of the match, with captain Graeme Smith subsequently confirming Philander's availability at Tuesday's press conference.

The 27-year-old has been the Proteas' most successful bowler since his debut 13 months ago, snaring 67 wickets in a dozen matches at the impressive average of 17.98.

He endured a relatively lean stretch of form in the recent series against Australia, though, going wicketless in the first Test in Brisbane before being ruled out of the second in Adelaide by a saw back. The series decider in Perth, however, brought him four key wickets.

"Vernon has come through his fitness test well. Unless he stiffens up later on Tuesday or in the evening, he is fit to play," insisted Smith. "The way the guys have trained this week has been intense.

"We've had five days together and the work rate has been good. It is great to sit in team meetings and listen to how the guys want to take the team forward and not rest on our laurels."

The South Africans enjoyed a very successful 2012, when they clinched the number one Test ranking on the back of a series victory over England - and later retained the coveted title after beating Australia.

"The team has taken big steps forward last year. We've travelled a lot in the last year. It was hostile, it was tough. Hopefully now we can play the same style of cricket in South Africa with home support," added Smith, whose side will also host Pakistan later this year.