Hardest team selection we’ve had to make – Du Plessis

Standard Bank Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, admits the team selection for the first Sunfoil Test match against India starting at PPC Newlands on Friday is the toughest of his tenure as captain. This is the first time Du Plessis has had all capable resources available to him since his appointment two seasons ago, with a fully fit pace arsenal and the return of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn making this the strongest squad yet. He says the final playing XI will be picked according to a combination that will be the most effective in the Newlands conditions. This series could be the last time the majority of the senior players in the squad will play India at home, and serves as motivation to ‘settle the score’ after the away thrashing in 2015. Although a series win won’t be enough for the Proteas to topple India at the top of the ICC Test rankings, a contest between the No.1 and No.2 ranked teams in the world is set to provide high-quality entertainment.