South Africa:Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl, Hashim Amla (captain), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Dane Piedt, Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel.

England:Alastair Cook (captain), Alex Hales, Nick Compton, Joe Root, James Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Steven Finn. 

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"The Indian series for South Africa was quite debilitating in confidence for the batsmen. The pitches are nothing like here - they are deliberately made and turn square. But when you keep failing, it doesn't matter the circumstances, it damages your confidence. It is how they play this Test match. If they stay in the middle, get runs, their confidence will grow as they are on pitches they know. England are a bit better - players have made 100s and 50s. There is more confidence."

Of course, England will be hoping for a better start to the match than they made in the opening Test of the 1999 series when theyslumped to 2-4 inside three overs -, externalMichael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart all dismissed to a rampant Pollock and Donald double act.

Gavin Hamilton made his only Test appearance in that game...

Image source, Getty Images

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England captain Alastair Cook: "What a chance for Alex Hales to make a debut - it's such a special day. It's a real reminder to all of us who have played a bit of cricket what a special occasion it is, to make your debut in the Boxing Day Test in Durban.

"We've started this tour pretty well; we've had a good build-up and got what we wanted out of it. And it's great to see so many English fans here - we got a great reception walking out."

South Africa captain Hashim Amla: "Overhead conditions could play a part so hopefully we will get a few wickets. We are fresh and ready to go at home. Everybody is raring to go.

"It is lovely to have Dale Steyn back in the mix. He has been bowling well in the nets. To have the world's best bowler back in your side is really good."

Neil Manthorp
BBC Test Match Special

"Dale Steyn's was the longest fitness test I've ever heard of. They drilled him for an hour and a half. As everybody knows, Steyn is at his best when he is full of work. He reacts badly to being wrapped in cotton wool. He was bowling at full pace in India but couldn't do 20 overs and that is his own benchmark."

So, if Graeme Smith is to be believed, England need to dig in early on and then it will get easier.

A penny for the thoughts of debutant Alex Hales who has to go and face the music against Steyn, Morkel and Co...

South Africa win the toss and will bowl first.Get padded up, Alastair.

Graeme Smith
Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"For me it is one of those tosses you hope to lose. I think I would bat. For the first hour it will be tough but it will get flat, hot and dry and you have two innings."

The toss, let me remind you, is coming up at the top of the hour.

Not long now.

Neil Manthorp
BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa have got to decide between playing spinner Dane Piedt or Kyle Abbott, the fourth seamer. In this era, when captain Hashim Amla is very open, it's really surprising we don't know this. Right now, it's definitely a bowl-first pitch."

South Africa, mind, don't have to worry about James Anderson this morning. England's main man is out injured, meaning Chris Woakes will join Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and Ben Stokes in the seam attack.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"As an opening batsman, it doesn't look that appetising. Sometimes bowlers don't get it right in condition like this, but I wouldn't be queuing up to bat here."

Image source, Getty Images

The early debate on TMS centres on the pitch which has been livened by some overnight rain.

BBC Test Match Special

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