Three senior player were added to the Proteas squad. Mr 360 Degree himself AB de Villiers, duo of pace attack Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander will all make long-awaited returns for South Africa at test level after being named in the 14-man squad for next week's day-night, inaugural four-day contest against Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth. It means South Africa is back to full strength for the first time in almost two years for the Dec 26-29 match at St George's Park which serves as a warm-up for three home tests against India in January and a series against Australia straight after that.
De Villiers' last test was against England in Pretoria in January 2016 after which he asked for time out from the long format of the game while Steyn has been recovering from a serious shoulder injury suffered against Australia at Perth just over a year ago. Philander missed the 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in September and October following an injury on tour to England in mid-year.
South Africa next challenge is Zimbabwe but the major challenge is coming against India which began from 5th of January. The Run machine Kohli and his men are ready to face toughest challenge. Faf du Plessis, who initially looked uncertain with a back injury, will lead the side.
South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), 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.
