Babar Azam returns to test format after omitting last Test against England.
Babar replaces opener Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled recently.
Saim Ayub, Player of the ODI Series, also secures a place.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, scheduled to commence on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Star batter Babar Azam is set to make his return to the Test format, having last represented Pakistan in the first Test against England in October. He was omitted from the final two matches of the series.
Babar replaces opener Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled recently, registering three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against South Africa. Despite a lean run with the bat, having scored just 366 runs in 18 innings without a half-century since his 161-run knock against New Zealand in December 2022, Babar’s inclusion is seen as a significant boost to the team.
