AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn set for Test return

After a long layoff, South Africa’s star duo of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn is set to make a comeback to the Test side, and will both feature in the day-night four day Test against Zimbabwe from December 26 to 29.

The South African was last seen in a Test in January 2016, against England at the Centurion. He later ruled himself out of the longest format for the entirety of 2017, taking a sabbatical to re-assess his future in the game.

However, he returns for the historic four-day Test against Zimbabwe, along with Steyn, who has been battling a shoulder problem for long.

Interestingly, both Steyn and De Villiers made their debuts together in 2004.

“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,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) national selection panel convener Linda Zondi 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”, Zondi added.

Along with De Villiers and Steyn, Vernon Philander will also make a Test return. The trio return right in time for the India series that begins early next month.

Here's the entire squad for the Test again Zimbabwe:

Faf du Plessis (captain), 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 and Dale Steyn

However, De Villiers will not take part in the three-day warm-up game

“AB de Villiers is struggling with lower back stiffness and has been withdrawn from the three-day warm-up match as a precaution. He is, however, available for selection for the Test match against Zimbabwe”, said Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.