Steyn, De Villiers included as South Africa announce full-strength squad for 1st India Test

South Africa on Friday announced a pace-heavy squad for the first Test against India at Cape Town next week. Pace ace Dale Steyn and batting maestro AB de Villiers, who are returning to Test cricket after lengthy injury breaks, were both included.

All-rounder Chris Morris also made it to the 15-member side after recovering from a groin strain. Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who missed out his side’s massive four-day Test win against Zimbabwe, also makes a return after being sidelined by a hamstring strain.

The first Test between India and South Africa starts on January 5. The second Test, which starts on January 13 will be at Centurion. The third and final Test will be played at Johannesburg from January 24. The two teams will also play six One-day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.

South Africa squad:

Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn