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Abdullah Shafique And...? Pakistan Likely To Drop These Stars From Playing XI For 1st Test vs SA

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan to face South Africa in 1st Test on December 26 [Source: @ShehlaAhme89964/X]Pakistan to face South Africa in 1st Test on December 26 [Source: @ShehlaAhme89964/X]

After securing a historic three-nil whitewash in the ODI series, Pakistan are gearing up to take on South Africa in a two-match Test series. The first match of the high-voltage series will be played at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

Led by Shan Masood, the visitors have a solid squad comprising some outright match-winners in the lineup. However, there are some players who might not be picked in Pakistan's playing XI for the first Test, as mentioned below. 

Abdullah Shafique

Why Will Pakistan Drop Shafique From 1st Test Playing XI?

  • Pakistan's stylish batter Abdullah Shafique has had a torrid run in the ongoing South Africa tour. The opening batter looked horribly out of touch in the ODI series, recording three consecutive ducks. 
  • Besides being short of confidence, Shafique has also been miserable in Tests this year, scoring 174 runs at a horrendous average of 15.82. So, considering his poor recent form, Pakistan might drop him from their playing XI for the first Test against South Africa. 

Mohammad Abbas

Why Will Pakistan Drop Abbas From 1st Test Playing XI?

  • Pakistan's veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas made his much-awaited Test comeback following a long hiatus, riding on his recent stellar domestic outings. 
  • The fast bowler can generate prodigious seam movement and trouble the Proteas batters. However, Pakistan will likely prefer Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza as their new ball bowlers, considering their extra pace. 
  • Meanwhile, Khurram Shahzad has been impressive since making his debut and could be preferred as the third seamer. In such a scenario, Abbas might not start for Pakistan, but he can still make a comeback if someone of these bowlers fails to perform in the first game. 

Aamir Jamal

Why Will Pakistan Drop Jamal From 1st Test Playing XI?

  • Aamir Jamal is a bowling all-rounder who was impressive with the bat in the Australia Tests. However, Jamal's bowling has been a concern for Pakistan, as the bowler's has his economy on the higher side. 
  • Pakistan are set to include Agha Salman as their first-choice all-rounder. Furthermore, the visitors will have a robust bowling attack comprising Naseem, Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad. So, it's highly unlikely that Aamir Jamal will find a place in their playing XI for the first Test in Centurion.