South Africa will host Pakistan in a three-match Test series from December 26. Here are the full squad lists for the series, including injury updates and replacements.
When will the SA vs PAK 2024 Tests be played?
The first Test will be played between December 26 and 30 at SuperSport Park, Centurion followed by the second between January 3 and 7 at Newlands, Capetown. The series opener will begin at 10:00 am local time, while the last match at 10:30 am local time.
After the hosts won the preceding T20Is 2-0, Pakistan fought back with a historic 3-0 whitewash in the ODIs, riding on Saim Ayub's multiple hundreds.
SA vs PAK 2024 Tests: Team News
Temba Bavuma will lead a 16-member South Africa squad. Two uncapped players – Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka – have been included in the side. While Bosch is an all-rounder with a first-class batting average over 40 and a bowling average of 36.75, Maphaka was the highest wicket-taker (21) in the 2024 Men’s U19 World Cup. Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, both of whom are battling injury concerns, have been named in the squad. However, their participation in the first Test is subject to fitness.
The major takeaway from Pakistan’s Test squad is the return of Mohammad Abbas, who last played in 2021. Abbas had a stellar Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 31 wickets in five matches.
Having played the white-ball matches, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested for the Test series to manage his workload ahead of the Champions Trophy. Off-spinner Sajid Khan has missed out despite his 19 wickets against England due to the fast bowling-friendly wickets on offer, with Noman Ali being the only specialist spinner.
Shaheen Afridi was not selected for the South Africa Test tour, with the PCB citing "workload management" as the reason for his absence.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 24, 2024
He has, however, been given NOC to play in the Bangladesh Premier League, beginning December 30.
READ: https://t.co/tQIoEk8gew pic.twitter.com/aJ5gcDpM6Q
SA vs PAK 2024 Tests: Full squad lists
South Africa
Batters
Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs
All-Rounders
Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder
Wicketkeepers
David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton
Bowlers
Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan
Batters
Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood
All-Rounders
Aamer Jamal, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha
Wicketkeepers
Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Rizwan
Bowlers
Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali
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