Dale Steyn, AB De Villiers back in SA Test squad
What's the story
Ahead of the crucial series against India, South Africa's star players AB De Villiers and Dale Steyn have been named in the squad for 4-day Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day.
This will be the first international match in over a year for Steyn who is returning after a shoulder injury and a Test format comeback for De Villiers after two-year-long hiatus.
The pace quartet
All these four fast bowlers in the squad
South Africa's four meanest fast bowlers - Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, and Kagiso Rabada, have been named in the 14-team squad against Zimbabwe.
All four have never played a Test together mostly due to Steyn's injury troubles.
Zimbabwe test is an opportunity for the Proteas pace attack to find a rhythm ahead of a busy season where they will face India and Australia.
Information
Squad details
The 14-member SA squad includes : Faf du Plessis (C), 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.
Start not guaranteed
De Villiers selection subject to fitness
While De Villiers has declared himself eager for a Test return, his participation in the inaugural 4-day Test is subject to fitness. He is set to miss the warm-up game due to a lower back niggle.
His selection is further dependent on skipper's availability.
It was hinted that should both ABD and Faf be available, the latter will be given preference.
Preparatory Test
Buckling up for Test against India?
All said and done, Zimbabwe test is not a major worry for South Africa.
The home side is gearing up for the upcoming season which begins with India tour of South Africa.
AB's return to the Test side after two years surely is indicative of his likely inclusion for the India series.
Steyn, De Villiers, Philander are sure to give SA an edge.
Information
Last test for De Villiers
AB De Villiers was last part of a Test match in Jan 2016 against England and since then he took a sabbatical from the longest format.