Beware India: De Villiers, Steyn back for SA
JOHANNESBURG: AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn have made their longawaited return to the 14-man South Africa Test squad for the inaugural four-day day-night Test against Zimbabwe, beginning at the St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day.
De Villiers stepped down from Test captaincy in December 2016 following an elbow injury, which kept him out of the team for a long period. Later, a self-imposed exile kept him out of Tests in 2017.
The 34-year-old Steyn has been out of action since injuring his shoulder during a series against Australia in Perth in November last year. He recently made a return when he played for Titans in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge last month.
Meanwhile, Vernon Philander has also been recalled after missing the recent series against Bangladesh following an injury picked up during the England tour.
Reflecting on De Villiers and Steyn’s inclusion, Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief selector Linda Zondi said he feels really excited to have the two icons back in the longest format.
“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. 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,” Zondi said.
Skipper Faf du Plessis, who was earlier doubtful for the daynight Test against Zimbabwe as Cricket South Africa was considering not to rush with his inclusion in the squad, has returned to the team after remaining out of action for six weeks.
The squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), 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.