Babar, Naseem Back for SA Tests; Afridi Snubbed
Pakistan’s great pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has left for South Africa for matches where he will not play one game, that is the Tests, but will play in ODI as well as T20 matches. His absence in the Test side is questionable about his future in the red ball, hinting that the player may take a walk away from the format altogether.
Babar Azam and Naseem Shah Return
Both captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have rejoined the Test squad following earlier rests. Their return gives Pakistan much-needed experience as they get ready for a challenging series.
Afridi Recent Struggles
Shaheen Shah Afridi has not played well since he returned from his knee injury in 2022. In six Test matches, he had an average of 45 and took only 17 wickets. In this sense, exclusion from Test cricket may prove that he will have to regain some form before he returns to the Test format of the game.
Challenges for Pakistan
South African pitches are generally suited for fast bowlers, and Afridi would have been useful. Still, Pakistan will look at Naseem Shah as the only proper fast bowler in the side and the experience of Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad, who have been in good form in cricket.
Few Spin Options
Pakistan has selected only one spinner, Noman Ali, for the Tests. Key spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan were left out, as the pitches in South Africa are not expected to favor spinners.
Stable ODI and T20 Squads
The ODI and T20 squads remain mostly unchanged, with young players like Sufiyan Muqeem keeping their spots after performing well recently. Afridi is still an important part of these squads and will play in the limited-overs matches.
A Tough Test Awaits
Pakistan has always found it hard to win in South Africa. They have only won two Tests there and have never won a Test series. The upcoming two-Test series, starting December 26, will be a big challenge, especially against South Africa’s powerful fast bowlers.
Tour Schedule
The tour includes three T20 matches and three ODIs from December 10 to 22, followed by two Centurion and Cape Town Tests on December 26 and January 7.
Pakistan’s Test Squad
The Test team under the captaincy of Shan Masood and vice-captain Saud Shakeel has a mix of experience along with fresh blood, with names like Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, and Noman Ali in the bowling attack and fresh talents Saim Ayub and Khurram Shahzad who will give the much-needed new energy to the team. With the caliber players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, there will surely be a good foundation for leadership and play-making.
Pakistan is more or less clear about what they want from this South African tour. They would be keen to break their poor record against them, and taking this series as their stepping stone to a successful team for the future, fans will be looking forward to some spirited efforts from this side in going about their challenges.
