Former Pakistan Cricket Team captain Babar Azam returns to the squad as the Men in Green take on South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) went on to announce their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test which will take place at the SuperSport Park. Babar had previously missed out on the last 2 Test matches for the country.
But now the experienced batter and the former captain marks his return to the squad. He is also joined by veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas who also marks his return to the team. Babar Azam is replacing opener Abdullah Shafique who struggled with form against the Proteas in the recently concluded ODI series.
Babar Azam & Mohammad Abbas make much-awaited Test return
Babar Azam was not a part of the team in their last Test match series against England way back in October. But now after Abdullah Shafique, who cored three consecutive ducks, the veteran batter was called back to provide much-needed stability to the Pakistani top order.
On the other hand, Babar Azam’s return to the side is only limited as a player. He won’t be captaining the side. Shan Masoon on the other hand will continue to lead the team. Babar let go of his captaincy after his side’s horrible outing in the T20 World Cup.
On the other hand, Mohammad Abbas who last played for his country way back in 2021 makes his return to the squad. The veteran pacer has performed well in domestic cricket off late and thus has been rewarded.
Pakistan’s playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas
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