Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa, starting on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
This series is part of Pakistan’s all-format tour of South Africa. After losing the T20I series 2-0, Pakistan made a strong comeback with a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series.
The Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship and hold great importance for both teams. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas returns to the squad after an outstanding performance in domestic cricket, where he claimed 31 wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Interim head coach Aqib Javed will lead the team in his first red-ball series in charge.
The Test squad is led by captain Shan Masood and vice-captain Saud Shakeel. The other players include Aamir Jamal, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.
This series presents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to carry their momentum forward after the ODI success and showcase their skills in Test cricket. Fans are looking forward to an exciting contest against South Africa on their home ground.
