England name all-rounder Dawson for Test

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson has beaten Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones for a place in England's side to play South Africa in the first Test.

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson has won a Test place in England's side to play South Africa. (AAP)

New England Test captain Joe Root has announced that Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson will face South Africa in the first Test at Lord's.

Dawson made his Test debut against India in Chennai and has got the nod ahead of Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones.

Root, named as Alastair Cook's successor five months ago, will lead an England side featuring two spin bowlers - Dawson and Moeen Ali - in a Lord's Test for the first time since 1993.

Recalled Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance is set to bat at three, with Root coming in at four followed by Jonny Bairstow.