Paceman Munaf Patel [Images] is fit and would be available for selection for India's third Test against South Africa beginning in Cape Town on January 2.

"John Gloster (team physiotherapist) has sent a fitness update on all the players, who had suffered injuries on the tour. Munaf Patel has been declared fit to play the third Test," Cricket Board's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty said on Friday.

Gloster had replied to a missive from the BCCI over the fitness of Patel who has been a mere spectator since injuring his ankle in the second one-dayer on November 22.

The letter was sent to the physio to get an update on Patel's progress from injury after the tour management decided to retain him instead of sending him home though he was not picked for the first two Tests.

Meanwhile, fellow-speedster Irfan Pathan [Images] returned home in the early hours on Friday after the tour management decided that the out-of-form left armer would be better off playing Ranji Trophy for Baroda.