• Babar Azam returns to test format after omitting last Test against England.
• Babar replaces opener Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled recently.
• Saim Ayub, Player of the ODI Series, also secures a place.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to commence on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Star batter Babar Azam is set to make his return to the Test format, having last represented Pakistan in the first Test against England in October. He was omitted from the final two matches of the series.

Babar replaces opener Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled recently, registering three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against South Africa. Despite a lean run with the bat, having scored just 366 runs in 18 innings without a half-century since his 161-run knock against New Zealand in December 2022, Babar’s inclusion is seen as a significant boost to the team.

Shan Masood will lead the team, supported by wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan. Saim Ayub, the Player of the ODI Series for his stellar 235 runs, has also secured a place in the side.

In the bowling department, Pakistan has opted for an all-pace attack, featuring Naseem Shah, Muhammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamer Jamal. The XI also includes spin all-rounder Salman Ali Agha and batters Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam.

With this balanced line-up, Pakistan aims to make a strong start to the Test series and carry forward momentum from their recent performances.

Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehza and Muhammad 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, and Corbin Bosch.

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