Pak vs SA: Pakistan announce playing XI for first test against Proteas

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the playing XI for the inaugural Test match against South Africa.

Pakistan will deploy four fast bowlers, with seasoned pacer Mohammad Abbas making his comeback to the playing XI. Abbas last represented Pakistan in a Test match in August 2021 against the West Indies.

His inclusion follows a remarkable showing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he secured 31 wickets across five matches this season.

The selected XI features captain Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Abbas.

The two-match Test series between Pakistan and South Africa commences tomorrow.

The first Test, which is a Boxing Day fixture, will take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion, while the second Test is set to occur from January 3 in Cape Town.

The Test squad includes Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.