South African pacer Dale Steyn has recovered and has been named in the 15-man squad by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the first Test against India that begins on January 5. While, Faf du Plessis, who failed to recover from a shoulder surgery against Zimbabwe, is also back in the mix. He would once again take over the captaincy duties from AB de Villiers.

Allrounder Chris Morris has retrieved from a groin injury to make up a challenging pack of fast bowlers for the Proteas which could prove to be a difficult task for India on bounce friendly surfaces. In other good news for South Africa, wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has also recovered from a hamstring niggle and is expected to play the first Test of 2018.

Morris has been missing the international cricket since July when injured his back during the tour of England. With South Africa getting a unique opportunity of having a full-strength squad, it puts a problem of plenty for the selectors who would have to pick between seven batsmen for six spots. More importantly, five seamers are in the squad with four expected to be included.

South Africa players will start their preparation for the three-match Test series on Tuesday.

South Africa 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, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn