The South Africa has announced a full strength squad a one-off four day test against Zimbabwe at the end of December, signalling a return to full fitness of the Proteas stalwarts – AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
South Africa has a busy summer schedule on their hands, as they take on India for three test match series before taking on Australia for four test matches.
South African Test side has been a depleted outfit for the past year with injuries to AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel stalling their progress in the format. De Villiers came close to a retirement from the longest format of cricket after he got injured earlier this year. While Dale Steyn had to undergo rehabilitation from his surgeries on shoulder and elbow.
“It is a very exciting moment not just for South Africa but for world cricket to have Dale and AB, two icons of the game, back in the multi-day format,” Linda Zondi, CSA’s convener of selectors said. “AB and Dale bring loads of experience to the side apart from being two of the South African all-time greats. It is also good to have Vernon back and it is very encouraging that our four premium fast bowlers – Steyn, Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel – are all back in the selection mix.”
India is due to tour South Africa in January for three tests, six ODI’s and three T20Is. It will be a greater test for the Indian side as they take on a full-string South African side that might well be past its prime, but one full of experienced individuals.
South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn