Philander fit again

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Vernon Philander is set to feature in the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan following his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Philander has been plagued by left hamstring problems in recent times and missed the second-Test thrashing of New Zealand as a result.

Vernon Philander has overcome his hamstring problems and is set to return to South Africa's side for the first Test with Pakistan

However, providing he does not suffer another setback, he will take Rory Kleinveldt's place when the action gets under way in Johannesburg on February 1.

In announcing a predictable squad of 13 for the first Test of three, Cricket South Africa’s selection convenor Andrew Hudson confirmed Philander’s likely return.

“We have given a full vote of confidence to the squad of 13 that did duty in the recent Sunfoil Series against New Zealand” he said.

“Rory Kleinveldt and Jacques Rudolph will again provide the bowling and batting cover if necessary. At the moment there are no injury concerns.”

South Africa squad for first Test with Pakistan: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers (wicketkeeper), Francois du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Jacques Rudolph, Dale Steyn.