Cape Town - Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel has recovered from an appendix operation and has been included in the Titans' team to face the Knights in a SuperSport Series clash, starting in Bloemfontein on Thursday.

Morkel had his appendix removed shortly before he was due to play for the Titans in their 1-Day Cup game against the Knights in Benoni on 6 November.

Morkel will be keen to show the national selectors that he has recovered well after he also earlier pulled out of the Proteas' T20 series against Australia due to a stomach muscle injury.

The Knights are currently leading the SuperSport Series standings, with the Titans in second position. However, the Knights have been hit hard by injuries with Ryan McLaren, Johan van der Wath and Shadley van Schalkwyk all picking up hamstring injuries. Former Protea bowler, Victor Mpitsang is also out injured.

Van der Wath's injury will be big blow for the central union as he is the tournament's leading wicket taker with 21 scalps. Dillon du Preez and Malusi Siboto would need to provide cover for him and McLaren.

Promising batsman Rilee Rossouw will make his first appearance in the four-day format this season, while the experienced Boeta Dippenaar will make his return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

In other SuperSport Series games the Warriors take on the Dolphins at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth, while the Cape Cobras - fresh from their 1-Day Cup triumph - meet the Lions at Newlands.

The teams that have already been named are:

Knights: Morné van Wyk (captain), Dean Elgar, Rilee Rossouw, Reeza Hendricks, Boeta Dippenaar, Ryan Bailey, Obus Pienaar, Michael Erlank, Quinton Friend, Dillon du Preez, Malusi Siboto, Wiann van Zyl.

Titans: Martin van Jaarsveld (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Tumelo Bodibe, Henry Davids, CJ de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Paul Harris, Heino Kuhn, Albie Morkel, Rowan Richards, Hardus Viljoen, David Wiese.

Dolphins: Daryn Smit, David Miller, Robbie Frylinck, Kyle Abbott, Friedel de Wet, Khaya Zondo, Divan Van Wyk, Devon Conway, Cody Chetty, Dane Paterson, Tabraiz Shamsi, Nash Govender.