Babar Azam has made his return to the playing XI for Pakistan’s first Test against South Africa, which is scheduled to begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Babar last represented Pakistan in the first Test against England in October. He was not included in the playing XIs for the last two Tests of the series.
The right-handed batter has scored 366 runs in his last 18 innings without registering a half-century since his 161-run knock against New Zealand in December 2022.
He has replaced right-handed opener Abdullah Shafique, who recently recorded three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against South Africa.
Shan Masood will captain the side with wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan providing support.
Saim Ayub, the star of the ODI series, has also been included in the playing XI. The left-hander was named Player of the Series for scoring 235 runs.
For the bowling attack, Pakistan has opted for an all-pace unit consisting of Naseem Shah, Muhammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamer Jamal.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also included spin all-rounder Salman Ali Agha in the final XI, with batters Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam also making it to the team for the Centurion Test.
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, 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.
