The bowling attack marks Abbas’ return more than three years after he last played a Test match, while Shahzad returns from a recurring rib injury that only ruled him out for 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 squad midway through the home series against England, meaning all-rounder Jamal is the only bowler who also played Pakistan’s last Test match.
“Since the Australia series, we have supported Aamer Jamal, even in spin conditions,” Pakistan captain Masood said earlier in the day at the press conference. “He took the No.8 spot and made it his own. There are different aspects to his bowling; he’s not one-dimensional. He’s handy when it turns and useful to be the enforcer and he’s equally good with it new ball He has impressed everyone with the bat especially innings in Sydney and a couple of innings in Multan The best sides in the world have players at No. 7 and 8 which allow you to play specialist bowlers.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s patience finally ran out with Shafique, who has struggled for form across formats for more than a year. Apart from his recent horror ODI 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 in this period came in an innings at Multan on a surface so calm that England recorded the fourth highest total in Test history in the second innings. In his other 11 innings, he reached double figures just twice.
Pakistan had delayed the announcement of their final XI, with South African captain Temba Bavuma announcing his side a full 24 hours earlier. With rain around and in the forecast for parts of the Test match, the visitors had considered whether to opt for the safety of a spinner as opposed to going all pace, but on a Centurion wicket that players from both sides acknowledged looks exceptional. seam-friendly, that option was considered surplus to requirements. They have the option of Salman Agha, who bowls offspin, and Saud Shakeel’s part-time left-arm spin.
“Batting and seam bowling will be key elements in both the lineups,” Masood said. “Both teams go in with the same ideas. South Africa have four seamers and Corbin Bosch at No.9, who is an all-rounder. You have to trust the seamers to do well, given the way the pitch is.”
Pakistan XI: 1 Shan Masood (capt), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Kamran Ghulam, 5 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 6 Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), 7 Salman Agha, 8 Aamer Jamal, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Khurram Shahzad, 11 Mohammad Abbas
