Pakistan Test Squad: Pakistan announced the team for the first Test match against South Africa. After winning the ODI series 0-3 the Pakistan team is ready to play a 2-match Test match series against South Africa. The first match will take place at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Pakistani team will be led by Mohammad Rizwan. who guided the team to a clean sweep of the hosts in the ODI series. However, the Test series will be a more challenging affair as South Africa is a formidable side on home soil and a dominant force in red-ball cricket.
Should Pakistan drop Abdullah Shafiq?
Abdullah Shafiq has been struggling with form recently. His performance in the ODI series against the South African team was not in favour of the team. He returned to the pavilion at 0 three times in a row. Due to his poor performance, he may be ruled out of the team. Abdullah Shafiq’s performance in Test matches has also not been very good. This year, he has scored only 174 runs in Test matches at a poor average of 15.82.
Due to his poor form, Pakistan may drop him from their playing eleven for the first Test. In his place, Sam Ayub could be open with captain Shan Masood in the team. Kamran Ghulam has confirmed his place in the team by scoring a brilliant century in his debut match. He can bat at number three in the team. Babar Azam will also be seen batting at number four after making a comeback in the Test match.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan to Play Key Roles
Explosive batsman Saud Shakeel will handle the middle order. He has scored 1102 runs in 21 innings with four centuries at an impressive average of 58. He will be followed by wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. All-rounder Agha Salman can also play an important role in the lower order of the team. He can prove to be important for the team with the ball as well as with the bat.
In bowling, In the absence of Shaheen Afridi, Mir Hamza will lead Pakistan’s pace attack. This left-arm fast bowler had performed brilliantly against Australia. Apart from him, Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah are included in the team. Noman Ali will show his skills in spin bowling.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test against South Africa:
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Mir Hamza
