South Africa spinner Robin Peterson has been declared fit to play in the first of three Tests against Pakistan, which gets underway at the Wanderers on Friday.

Peterson sustained a hand injury during the recent ODI series against New Zealand, and leg-spinner Imran Tahir had been called up as cover. The left-armer has, however, recovered in time for the series opener.

The Proteas, though, might be tempted to play an all-pace attack on arguably the country's liveliest wicket, with right-armers Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Rory Kleinveldt bound to enjoy additional pace and bounce in Johannesburg.

"For me, it's very special, even just training here and having a run around at the Bullring. When I came and watched games here as a youngster, it was always special but it's also the sort of wicket that I enjoy bowling on. It suits my game," said Morkel.

Morkel remained wary of a visiting order that includes the experienced Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, and admitted Pakistan will prove a far more formidable opposition than the New Zealanders, who were trounced inside three days in both Tests earlier this year.

"They've got some experience with Khan and Misbah in the middle. They are key guys that we need to target and get out quite early because can bat time. They are a dangerous team, they can always counterpunch and fight back. It's going to be important for us not to relax," he added.

"When you beat a team in three days, you get extra time to rest but there is nothing better than walking out there for five days and really feeling the blood, sweat and tears and enjoying that moment with the team.

"That's Test cricket, that's what you want to play for and what you wish for - for it to be as tough and hard as possible. That brings the team more together as well."

Batsman Hashim Amla and the in-form Philander, meanwhile, have also been deemed fit to participate in the Wanderers clash after recovering from respective thigh and hamstring injuries.