AB, Steyn and Philander return to Proteas Test squad
AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn make their long-awaited return to the Proteas Test squad for the day/night four-day Sunfoil Test match against Zimbabwe starting on Boxing Day.
De Villiers’ last Test was against England at SuperSport Park during January 2016 while Steyn has been recovering from a serious shoulder injury suffered against Australia at Perth just over a year ago.
A third player, Vernon Philander, is also back in the Proteas squad after missing the most recent series against Bangladesh following an injury picked up during the winter tour to England.
“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,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel Convener Linda Zondi. “After Zimbabwe we have two very tough home Test Series coming up against India, the No. 1 ranked side in the world, and Australia, who have just regained the Ashes in their current series against England.
“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.”
Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (WSB Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (WSB Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), Theunis de Bruyn (VKB Knights), AB de Villiers (Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), Morne Morkel (Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (WSB Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Dale Steyn (Multiply Titans).
De Villiers (lower back strain) and Chris Morris (groin strain) have been withdrawn from the SA Invitation XI to play Zimbabwe in a three-day tour match at Eurolux Boland Park, starting tomorrow.
“AB de Villiers is struggling with lower back stiffness and has been withdrawn from the three-day warm-up match as a precaution,” commented Proteas team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee. “He is, however, available for selection for the Test match against Zimbabwe.”
Young Western Province all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been brought into the SA Invitation XI as a replacement for Morris.
Revised SA Invitation XI squad: Dominic Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions, capt), Temba Bavuma (WSB Cape Cobras), Tladi Bokako (Warriors), Michael Cohen (WSB Cape Cobras), Isaac Dikgale (NW), Leus du Plooy (VKB Knights), Dayyaan Galiem (Western Province), Zubayr Hamza (WSB Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rapulana (NW), Kelly Smuts (Warriors), Dale Steyn (Multiply Titans), Ricardo Vasconcelos (Boland), Shaun von Berg (Multiply Titans), Lizaad Williams (WSB Cape Cobras)
Head Coach: Russell Domingo
Assistant Coach: Salieg Nackerdien
Physiotherapist: Molebatsi Theletsane
Fitness Trainer: Nandile Tyali
Video Analyst: Abram Ndhlovu