Nick Compton has admitted that he was unsure if he would ever play Test cricket for England again, prior to earning a recall to the side.

The Middlesex batsman has been included in the 16-man squad for the series against South Africa, which begins next month, having not featured for England since 2013.

Compton could now compete to open the batting alongside captain Alastair Cook or for the number three spot, which is now vacant following Ian Bell's omission from the squad.

"It's great to be selected [again]. I've had a couple of years out of the fold and I've wondered at times if it would ever happen again," Compton told talkSPORT.

"But I've kept my belief and, to be selected and have a chance to give as much value as I can to the team, that's the exciting part. The challenge now is the tour and the hard work ahead.

"I feel very excited but it's surprising how quickly your head turns towards the business side of it, and getting prepared for what will be a very tough encounter against the world's best team."

Compton has scored 479 runs in his nine Tests for England, including two hundreds, at an average of 31.93.