AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn set to make South Africa Test comebacks

AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn are set to return to Test cricket after being named in the South Africa squad for the four-day match against Zimbabwe.

The day-night Test begins on Boxing Day in Port Elizabeth, and the Proteas squad includes former captain De Villiers for the first time since January 2016 - the 33-year-old has been absent through a combination of injury and a self-imposed exile.

Fast bowler Steyn is also poised to make his comeback in the inaugural four-day Test after more than a year out of the side with a serious shoulder injury.

The 34-year-old last played against Australia in November 2016, and is set to be joined in the pace attack by the fit-again Vernon Philander, who last appeared at The Oval against England in July.

South Africa selector Linda Zondi said: "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.

"AB and Dale bring loads of experience to the side [as well as] being two of the South African all-time greats."

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De Villiers is known as one of the most destructive batsmen in the game, and averages 50.46 from 106 Tests.

However, he will not feature in the three-day warm-up game against Zimbabwe, starting on Wednesday, due to stiffness in his back. His absence is thought to be precautionary.