South Africa vs India, 2018: Proteas name squad for the 1st Test

Cricket South Africa (CSA) selectors today named the South African squad for the first Test of the three-match series against visiting India. Captain Faf du Plessis who missed the one-off four-day Test against Zimbabwe due to viral infection is expected to be fit in time for the match and is appointed the leader of the team that also includes AB de Villiers.

All the Proteas players that were doubtful have recovered or are on course to be match fit before the series kicks off on January 5. Pacer Dale Steyn opted out of the Zimbabwe game will also be in a position to take the field against the Indians.

There were ideas that suggested wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock who struggled with his hamstring while batting against the neighbouring team in the Boxing Day Test which kept him out of both of their bowling innings will find it tough to make it to the team. But he has also been picked in the team and is likely to don the gloves taking off the burden from De Villiers’ shoulders who is rather sceptical about keeping given his intentions to extend his international career.

Chris Morris has also recovered from the groin strain thus available for the India series. He replaces pacer Duanne Olivier in the 15-man squad and will form the pace attack along with Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

The team is set to reach Cape Town on January 2 where they will train with the full-strength squad for a couple of days. This series will be the first time in over two years that all these high profile Proteas players form the composition of the team.

At home, they pose a stern test ahead of the Indians who come in as the No.1 ranked Test side and have an impeccable record in their backyard but are not known to be great overseas tourists. That coupled with the fact that India have never won a series in South Africa places the hosts in an advantageous position heading into the series.

South Africa squad for 1st Test against India:

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, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn.