England v South Africa: Graeme Smith fit for tour

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Graeme Smith

South Africa captain Graeme Smith is fit to lead their 15-man Test squad against England this summer after recovering from injury.

Left-hander Smith, 31, had surgery on his injured left ankle in April.

South Africa have named the same squad which beat New Zealand 1-0 in March.

Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson said: "The players fully deserve a vote of confidence after the outstanding manner in which they outplayed New Zealand away from home."

Smith, who averages 72 in England, had been a slight doubt for the tour with the injury - which had been a long-standing problem - and was the team's only concern heading into the three-Test series.

Hudson said: "Graeme has been outstanding both as our leading run-scorer and as captain during our last two Test tours of England and I have every confidence he will continue that form.

"We are now building up excellent depth in both the batting and bowling departments.

"I believe most other countries would be very happy to have the fast bowling resources we have at the moment. Marchant de Lange has been most impressive since his outstanding debut against Sri Lanka, while Lonwabo Tsotsobe gives us a left-arm option.

"Consistency has also been one of the key pillars of our selection policy and this is also contributing to our success on the field."

Star batsman AB de Villiers will again serve as the reserve wicketkeeper behind Mark Boucher as South Africa, second in the International Cricket Council Test rankings,, external take on first-placed England.

The series begins on 19 July with the first Test at the Oval and further matches to follow at Headingley and Lord's.

South Africa Test squad to face England: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher (wk), Marchant de Lange, AB de Villiers (vice-captain), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

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