Graeme Smith (captain)

The tall left-hander became the youngest captain in South Africa's history when he was appointed in March 2003 at the tender age of 22. The burden of leading his country did not appear a heavy one though and he started to pile on the runs at the top of the order. Was the scourge of the English attack the last time South Africa toured, hitting 277 at Edgbaston and 259 at Lord's. Very strong off his pads.

Ashwell Prince (vice-captain)

Has been in and out of the side since he made his debut against Australia in 2002. Has scored seven centuries since then but comes to England with little form - his highest score in the last five Tests is just 38. Selected as Smith's right-hand man, a role he should be at ease with having led the side in 2006.

Hashim Amla

When he made his debut in 2004, he became the first player of Indian descent to play for South Africa. A devout Muslim who is well-known for his beard, Amla is beginning to forge a reputation of some standing, peaking when he fired off back-to-back centuries against New Zealand last November.

Mark Boucher

The 31-year-old holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper, surpassing Ian Healy in October. Virtually an ever-present since making his debut in 1997, Boucher's worth is two-fold - not only is he tidy with the gloves but he is a reliable batsman too, often scoring vital runs when his team are in trouble.

AB de Villiers

Has been something of a utility player since being called upon when England toured South Africa in 2004/5, batting anywhere in the top-seven and occasionally keeping wicket. Made a century against England in the fifth Test at Centurion, following 92 in the first innings, and cracked an unbeaten 217 against India in April - another example of his talent. Could have pursued a career in golf, rugby or tennis.

Jean-Paul Duminy

An attractive top-order batsman, JP, as he is better known, has an excellent record in first-class cricket where he averages more than 52. However, he is still yet to make his Test debut. Has shown glimpses of what he can do in one-day internationals.

Paul Harris

Current South Africa Player of the Year, Harris is the latest incumbent to fill the spinner's role after Nicky Boje retired from international cricket. Has performed reasonably well during the embryonic stages of his South Africa career, his best figures being 5-73 against Pakistan.

Jacques Kallis

An exceptional talent, Kallis is approaching 10,000 Test runs and has taken more than 200 wickets - he is simply the best all-rounder in the world. While his batting might not clear the bars in the way Ricky Ponting does, a Kallis cover-drive is a work of art. Sells his wicket dearly and occupies the crease for long periods. Five of his 30 Test centuries have come against England.

Neil McKenzie

Is enjoying a second life with South Africa after being cast into the wilderness for three and a half years, finally returning in January to face the West Indies. A month later he hit 226 against Bangladesh, putting on a world record first wicket stand of 415 with Graeme Smith in the process, and followed that up with 94 and an unbeaten 155 against India.

Morne Morkel

A fast bowler who can extract bounce, Morkel is relatively new to the international scene having been earmarked as one to watch from an early age. Has been hampered with injuries of late, a stress fracture curtailing his tour of Pakistan while a hamstring injury in early May ended a spell at Yorkshire.

Andre Nel

Often cast in the role of pantomime villain, Nel is a whole-hearted performer who cannot be underestimated despite a peculiar bowling action. Has had most of his success against the West Indies, taking 13 wickets in three Tests against them during the winter. Spells with Northamptonshire and Essex should mean he is comfortable bowling in English conditions.

Makhaya Ntini

A bustling fast bowler who is happy to shoulder a heavy workload, the energetic Ntini has come a long way since being spotted in a cattleherd as a young boy. Has taken more than 300 Test wickets, including 13-132 against the West Indies, which remain the best figures by a South African bowler. His batting, often a swipe and then out, is hugely entertaining.

Robin Peterson

The second left-arm spinner in the squad, Peterson is perhaps best known for conceding 28 runs to Brian Lara in just one over - a Test record - in 2003. Has played just twice since, once against India a year after his mauling at the hands of Lara and earned a recall to the side for a Test against Bangladesh in February. Can be useful with the bat.

Dale Steyn

With rapid pace and the ability to swing the ball, Steyn is a real handful for any batsman. Has come on leaps and bounds since making his debut against England in December 2004 - his 120 wickets prior to this summer's series cost less than 22 runs apiece. Currently jostling with Muttiah Muralitharan for top spot in the ICC Player Rankings.

Monde Zondeki

Another bowler with raw pace, Zondeki has played just five Test matches since he was first elevated to the South Africa side in 2003, his latest appearance coming in the West Indies more than three years ago. He enjoyed an excellent 2007/8 season with the Cape Cobras where he took 62 wickets at just 19.16.