Dale Steyn makes comeback into South Africa Test squad for Sri Lanka tour

Dale Steyn has often been regarded as one of the finest pacers in the past decade or so, but his record with injuries has often hindered his credibility and consistency on the big stage. After Steyn suffered a heel injury while the Proteas played India earlier this year, many critics wrote him off. But the 34-year old pacer managed to prove his naysayers wrong as he was included in the 15-man Test squad to face Sri Lanka next month. Steyn will be in contention to play both the Test matches lined up against a tough Sri Lankan team under the leadership of Faf du Plessis.

Apart from Steyn, another pacer to make his return from injury was fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out from this year’s IPL due to a stress fracture, will be fit to return to action alongside Vernon Philander, and Lungi Ngidi replaced the retired Morne Morkel. 

This will also be the first time that South Africa will play after AB de Villiers' retirement last month. In his absence, Klaasen will remain in the Test squad and will also act as a back-up wicketkeeper and will compete with compatriot Theunis de Bruyn for a place in the starting XI.

South Africa selectors chose to include three spinners in their squad with regular specialist Keshav Maharaj and he will be joined by left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who had one Test cap to his name. Leg-spinner Shaun von Berg was also called up to the squad in what will be his maiden Test call-up.

Test squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungisani Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Shaun von Berg