South Africa vs England: Proteas keep faith with unchanged Test squad

Despite losing the second Test to England, South Africa has named an unchanged for the last two matches of the series which is curently poised at 1-1.

Pieter Malan in action for South Africa during the Test series against England.

South Africa has kept the faith with its Test squad for the second half of the series against England.

Dane Paterson, Andile Phelukwayo, Temba Bavuma – who missed the opening Test due to a hip injury – and Rudi Second have all been included despite not featuring in the first two matches.

However, fast bowler Paterson could be in line for a debut in the third Test.

A Cricket South Africa statement read: "The starting XI from the Newlands Test, along with Dane Paterson will travel to Port Elizabeth, while the rest of the players will remain with their franchise teams to play in the CSA Domestic Four-Day series.

"The selection panel are placing an emphasis on the importance of game time for non-starting players and prefer that they are available to their teams to help boost the competition. They will join the national team if and when required."

The Proteas won the Boxing Day Test at Centurion against a depleted England side that was struck with illness spreading through the camp. However, the tourist restored parity by winning a thrilling second Test at Cape Town by 189 runs.

The third Test gets underway in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.