England have been in sensational Test form this summer, already defeating New Zealand and India. Under Ben Stokes’ stewardship, they’ve gone from strength to strength. Their fearless brand of cricket has also captured the imagination of the cricketing world.

Almost all of their star cast has reassembled for the Test series against South Africa. Stokes returns to lead the side. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, meanwhile, are part of the team and would be hoping to build on what has already been an immensely successful red-ball season. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley, on the other hand, have found run-scoring tough in Test cricket. However, this series offers them the perfect chance to get back among the runs.

Jack Leach, James Anderson, Matthew Potts and Stuart Broad are all part of the squad. Ollie Robinson, who missed games against New Zealand in India, has been recalled to provide England greater fast-bowling depth.

As for South Africa, they would want to consolidate their spot at the perch of the World Test Championship table. Dean Elgar is leading the side, with Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton and Sarel Erwee potential batting options.

They are still fretting over Kagiso Rabada’s fitness. However, with Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen around, they would be confident of offsetting the absence of Rabada, if it comes to that. Injury has also ruled Duanne Olivier out of the series.

ENG vs SA, 2022 Test series: Squad and full team list

England: Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root

South Africa: Dean Elgar, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo

Update: Duanne Olivier has been ruled out of the series due to a muscle tear.