South Africa have recalled veteran off-spinner Peter Eksteen to their squad for the tour of India.

The 33-year-old Gauteng skipper has been drafted into a 14-man party as cover for Paul Adams, who broke a finger fielding in the final Test against England last month.

But middle order batsman and master fielder Jonty Rhodes will not be taking part, as he has decided to stay at home for the birth of his first child.

Three of South Africa's most influential players - pace bowler Allan Donald and batsmen Daryll Cullinan and Gary Kirsten - will return to active duty on the tour, which starts later this month.

All three have been sitting out the triangular one-day tournament against Zimbabwe and England.

Warwickshire paceman Donald will break his planned six-month sabbatical from international cricket as he attempts to claim the 10 Test wickets he needs to reach the 300 mark.

Cullinan has retired from limited overs internationals and Kirsten made himself unavailable for the tri-series after suffering a drop in form.

Frontline batsman Boeta Dippenaar, who has played two Tests, and his Free State team-mate leg-spinner Andre Abrahams will travel with the squad in a learning capacity.

South African squad:
Herschelle Gibbs, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje (captain), Pieter Strydom, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Paul Adams, Allan Donald, Boeta Dippenaar, Clive Eksteen, Mornantau Hayward.