South Africa have won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The Proteas are looking to take advantage of the early morning conditions as they aim to put pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s squad features the return of star batter Babar Azam, who is just three runs away from reaching the 4,000-run milestone in Test cricket. Babar has amassed 3,997 runs in 55 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.46, with nine centuries to his name. His inclusion sees out-of-form opener Abdullah Shafique dropped, following his struggles in the ODI series against South Africa, where he registered three ducks. As a result, captain Shan Masood will open the innings alongside young talent Saim Ayub.
Also Read: Babar Azam And Mohammad Abbas Return For First Test Against South Africa
Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also returned to the squad after a strong domestic season, taking 31 wickets in five Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches. This will be Abbas’s first Test appearance since August 2021. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad also returns to the lineup after missing the home series against England due to injury.
Aqib Javed will oversee his first red-ball series as interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s team, following his stint in charge during the white-ball series against Zimbabwe last month.
Head-to-Head Record
Since 1995, Pakistan and South Africa have faced off in 12 Test series, with South Africa winning seven and Pakistan two, while three series ended in draws. The last time these two teams met in the Test arena, Pakistan secured a 2-0 series win at home in early 2021.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch.
