Johannesburg, Dec 4: Captain Graeme Smith and in-form batsman Hashim Amla have been included in the 15-member squad for the first Test against India, being played from December 16 to 20, at Centurion.

Smith and Amla had suffered injuries and were doubtful starters going into the first Test of the three-match series.

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 against Pakistan.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection convener Andrew Hudson on Friday announced a squad of 15 for the first of three matches that includes Ryan McLaren plus the 14 players who formed the squad for the two Tests against Pakistan.

“We want to keep the squad together that played against Pakistan,” commented Hudson. “McLaren has impressed in both formats of the domestic game played so far this season and has also come back into our thinking.”

McLaren made his Test debut in the final match against England in January this year.

Hudson added that the latest reports from CSA’s Medical Committee concerning the fitness of captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla had been ‘very positive’. “We are expecting both of them to be fit to take their places.”

South Africa Test squad: Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Ryan McLaren, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.