Victorian spinner Jon Holland has won a recall to Australia's Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa but is unlikely to face the Proteas.

Holland, 30, was named in the 15-man squad on Monday, joining West Australian fast-bowler Jhye Richardson as the only additions to the bulk of the squad which had regained the Ashes this summer.

Spinner Jon Holland is going to South Africa. Credit:AP

While he will tour South Africa, that the four Tests will be held in the fast-bowling friendly conditions of Durban, Cape Town and Wanderers means the tourists almost certainly will have only Nathan Lyon take to the field as their spinner. Port Elizabeth, where the second Test will be held, looms as Holland's only hope of adding to his two Tests.

Holland was preferred ahead of Ashton Agar, who was drafted into the Ashes squad in Sydney but did not play. Agar is seen as more of an allrounder, while Holland is a specialist left-arm finger spinner.