Amla, Biff back from injury

Johannesburg - Injured captain Graeme Smith and star batsman Hashim Amla were named Friday in South Africa's squad for first Test against India from December 16 to 20 at Centurion.

In announcing a 15-man squad, selection convenor Andrew Hudson said both men were expected to be fit for the Test after suffering injuries during the recent drawn series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Smith suffered a broken bone in his left hand while batting in the first ODI against Pakistan but continued playing before suffering swelling and discomfort during the second and final Test.

Amla was struck on the left wrist while fielding in the second Test.

South Africa retained the 14 players who travelled to the UAE and added all-rounder Ryan McLaren.

South Africa, second on the International Cricket Council Test rankings, will play top-ranked India in three Tests in Centurion, Durban and Cape Town.

The South African players are expected to assemble on December 12 and to have three days of preparation before the series.

Squad

Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wkt), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Ryan McLaren, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe