Greatest South African Test XI of all time

#1 12th man and Full squad

Makhaya Ntini's raw pace and bustling energy made life difficult for opposition batsmen

Having picked two spin options in the playing eleven, the 12th man spot should go to a potent fast bowler who can bolster the pace department on seam-friendly pitches. With 390 wickets from 101 Tests, Makhaya Ntini is the third most prolific bowler in South Africa's Test history. Apart from his propensity to generate sharp pace, he can also induce energy into the side through his cheerful demeanour.

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In case de Villiers remains reluctant to don the wicket-keeping gloves, Mark Boucher can slot into the playing eleven. His collection of 555 dismissals are comfortably the highest in Test cricket. While the tenacious Bruce Mitchell lends cover to the opening department, the revered Dudley Nourse offers a back-up middle-order option. Factoring his ability to wreak havoc on favourable conditions, Vernon Philander completes a robust 16-member squad.

South Africa's All-Time Test XI

Graeme Smith (c), Gary Kirsten, Hashim Amla, Graeme Pollock, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), Aubrey Faulkner, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Hugh Tayfield and Allan Donald

Also in the 16-man Squad

Makhaya Ntini (12th man), Bruce Mitchell, Dudley Nourse, Mark Boucher (wk) and Vernon Philander