South Africa and Pakistan gear up for pace battle at Centurion Test

The stage is set for an enthralling two-match Test series between South Africa and Pakistan, beginning on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Pakistan’s tactical adjustments

Pakistan’s Test squad sees the return of key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Abbas.

Kamran Ghulam, who filled in for Babar during the latter’s absence in the second and third Tests against England, is likely to retain his place in the lineup. However, with Babar resuming his position at number four, Ghulam may shift up to the critical one-down spot.

Shan Masood and Saim Ayub are expected to form the opening pair, with Saim coming into the series in scintillating form. On the other hand, Abdullah Shafique’s recent struggles—including three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against South Africa—have dented his confidence, making Saim’s inclusion as an opener a likely choice. The middle order will comprise Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha, who collectively bring stability and aggression to the lineup.

In terms of bowling, Pakistan is expected to field four pacers, given the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali is the sole specialist spinner in the squad but may find it challenging to secure a spot in the playing XI. Part-time spinners Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub will provide additional support in the spin department.

Aamer Jamal’s inclusion as a pace-bowling all-rounder strengthens Pakistan’s batting depth, extending their lineup to number eight. The final pace trio is likely to be chosen from Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shehzad, and Mir Hamza.

South Africa’s all-pace strategy

South African captain Temba Bavuma has confirmed an all-pace attack for the first Test. Centurion’s green and seamer-friendly wicket aligns with this decision, further bolstered by significant rainfall leading up to the match.

Fast bowler Corbin Bosch is set to make his Test debut, bringing local expertise as a Titans provincial player at SuperSport Park. At 30 years old, Bosch’s raw pace and lower-order batting ability add a dynamic element to South Africa’s lineup.

Bosch follows in the footsteps of his late father, Tertius Bosch, who represented South Africa in their inaugural post-isolation Test in 1992. Corbin’s impressive ODI debut against Pakistan, where he bowled at speeds exceeding 140 km/h and scored an unbeaten 40, shows his readiness for the Test arena.

South Africa’s batting unit features experienced campaigners like Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton at the top. Bavuma, supported by middle-order talents Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, provides a robust backbone to the lineup. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson, all of whom have the ability to exploit Centurion’s conditions effectively.

Conditions and challenges

SuperSport Park in Centurion is renowned for its pace-friendly conditions, with the pitch traditionally offering assistance to seam bowlers, particularly on the opening day. The surface’s greenish tinge, coupled with recent rainfall, makes batting a daunting prospect.

Batsmen on both sides will need to apply themselves under overcast conditions, where lateral movement could pose significant challenges.

Stakes

South Africa enters the series with a clear objective: securing one win to virtually guarantee their place in the WTC final. Bavuma’s confidence in his team’s recent performances underpins their readiness to tackle this high-pressure series.

For Pakistan, the series serves as an opportunity to overturn their historically poor record in South Africa, where they have won just two out of 15 Tests.

Pakistan, however, will draw confidence from their dominant 3-0 ODI series win against South Africa, which featured several players from the Test squads.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shehzad, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson