In their most recent series, against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October, South Africa lost the first Test in Abu Dhabi but bounced back with an innings win in the second and final Test in Dubai to share the series.

"We were very happy with the performance of the Proteas in the second Test match at Dubai," said Cricket South Africa selection convener Andrew Hudson, "and we see no need to change something that is operating well."

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Graeme Smith, who was released from the ODI squad to prepare for the Tests, will lead the side in the series.

The Test squad features four fast bowlers in Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Rory Kleinveldt, and two spinners in Robin Peterson and Imran Tahir. Thami Tsolekile is the reserve wicketkeeper in the side to back up AB de Villiers, who is currently leading the ODI team.

The matches will be played in Johannesburg from December 18 to 22 and Durban from December 26 to 30.

South African squad: Graeme Smith (capt), AB de Villiers (vice-capt, wkt), Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Imran Tahir, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Thami Tsolekile (wkt).u00a0