Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Beuran Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Pieter Malan, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second and Rassie van der Dussen.

Casualties from the side that got thrashed 0-3 in India in October include spinners Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy - the latter made his debut on that tour - and top-order bat Theunis de Bruyn. Thus, the experienced Keshav Maharaj remains the only spinner in the squad, which includes pace options in the form of the regular Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander. However, South Africa will be missing the services of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who tore his hamstring during the Mzansi Super League (MSL) and is thus certain to miss the series starting on Boxing Day.

But the most hotly contested will be the batting spots, including the opening partner for Dean Elgar. Aiden Markram had punched a wall while in India during the Tests and faces stiff competition from Malan and Zubayr Hamza, though he has first-class matches coming up to prove his worth at the top.

The selectors also announced a South Africa A squad that will take on England in a three-day warm-up fixture before the first Test. The side will be under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, who has faced scrutiny in recent seasons. The team will feature players such as de Bruyn and Piedt. Bavuma will also have company from Malan and Andile Phehlukwayo, both of whom have earned their places in the senior team for the first half of the Test series.

South Africa A squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Nandre Burger, Theunis de Bruyn, Reeza Hendricks, Pieter Malan, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Piedt, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Pite van Biljon and Kyle Verreynne