AB de Villiers last played Test cricket in January 2016

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn are set to make their Test comebacks after being included in South Africa’s squad for the inaugural four-day Test against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day.

De Villiers has not featured in the longest format since January 2016, while Steyn hasn’t played international cricket since injuring his shoulder last November.

Pace bowlers Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander also returned to the squad after recovering from a side strain and back injury respectively.

Captain Faf du Plessis is also in the side, even though there are doubts about whether he will participate in the match as he is still recovering from a back injury and recently underwent shoulder surgery.

“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,” Linda Zondi, CSA’s convener of selectors said. “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.”

With all their premier seamers back in action, South Africa left out Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier and Wayne Parnell. Pace bowling all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, on the other hand, kept hold of his spot in the side.

South Africa’s Test 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