The bowling attack sees the return of Abbas more than three years after he last played a Test match, while Shahzad returns after a recurring rib injury that first ruled him out for several months after the first Test. in Perth last December, and then again after the Second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in September. Naseem was released from the team midway through the home series against England, meaning all-rounder Jamal is the only bowler to also play in Pakistan’s most recent Test match.
“Since the Australia series, we have supported Aamer Jamal, even in spinning conditions,” Pakistan captain Masood had said earlier in the day at the press conference. “He took up the number 8 spot and made it his own. There are different aspects to his bowling; it’s not one-dimensional. He’s skilful when reversed and useful as a spinner, and he’s equally skilful with the new ball. He also impressed everyone with the bat , especially the innings in Sydney and a couple of innings in Multan. The best teams in the world have players at numbers 7 and 8 who are all-rounders and allow you to play specialist bowlers.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan has finally run out of patience with Shafique, who has struggled for fitness in all formats for over a year. Apart from his most recent ODI horror series, he has also had a torrid 2024 in the longest format, averaging just over 15 in 12 innings. More than half of his 174 runs during this period came in one innings at Multan on a surface so placid that England recorded the fourth-highest total in Test history in the second innings. In his other 11 innings, he reached double figures only twice.
Pakistan had delayed announcing its final eleven, with South African captain Temba Bavuma making his squad public 24 hours earlier. With rain all around and forecast for parts of the Test match, the visitors had mulled whether to opt for the safety of a spinner rather than going full throttle, but on a Centurion wicket that players from both sides recognised, it looks exceptionally friendly to seams, that option was considered surplus to requirements. They have the option of off-side bowler Salman Agha and the part-time left-arm spinner of Saud Shakeel.
“Batting and bowling will be key elements for both lineups,” Masood said. “Both teams come with the same ideas. South Africa has four seamers, and Corbin Bosch at number 9, who is an all-rounder. You have to trust that the seamers will do well, given the appearance of the field.”
Pakistan XI: 1 Shan Masood (captain), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Kamran Ghulam, 5 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 6 Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), 7 Salman Agha, 8 Aamer Jamal, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Khurram Shahzad, 11 years old Mohammad Abbas
