Pakistan name 18-member Test squad for South Africa with three debutants

The national selection committee has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, with three players earning maiden call-ups.

Shan Masood will continue as captain of the Test side. The selectors have included uncapped players Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir in the squad.

Senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel retain their places. The line-up also features Aamer Jamal, Hasan Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kamran Ghulam and Abrar Ahmed.

The first Test will be played in Lahore from 12 to 16 October, followed by the second in Rawalpindi from 20 to 24 October.

A preparatory camp has commenced in Lahore from 30 September and will continue until 8 October. Players currently involved in the Asia Cup will join the squad on 4 October. The selectors are expected to trim the squad further ahead of the opening Test.