Babar Azam: A two-Test series between Pakistan and South Africa is set to begin today, December 26. Babar Azam has made his return to the Pakistan team for the first Test. Previously, Babar was not part of the playing eleven in the last two Test matches against England. However, the former captain has been included in the lineup for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. Alongside Babar Azam, fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has also rejoined the Pakistan squad.
Babar Azam’s Comeback, Abdullah Shafiq Dropped
Babar Azam has been included in Pakistan’s squad for the Test series against South Africa, replacing opener Abdullah Shafiq. Shafiq, who had a disappointing performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, was dismissed for a duck in both innings. Babar Azam returns to the Test squad, but not as captain. Shan Masood will continue to lead Pakistan in the Test series, following Babar Azam’s removal as captain after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Mohammad Abbas Returns to the Pakistan Team After Nearly 3 Years
Mohammad Abbas has been called up to the national team after almost three years. His last appearance for Pakistan was in 2021, but he has impressed with his bowling performances in domestic cricket recently.
Babar Azam Close to Achieving a Historic Milestone in Test Cricket
Babar Azam has been one of Pakistan’s top batsmen since his debut, breaking numerous records along the way. The right-handed batsman is the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is and is nearing the milestone of overtaking Rohit Sharma as the highest run-scorer. He has scored 4,223 runs in 128 T20Is. Additionally, Babar has amassed 5,957 runs in ODIs and 3,997 runs in 55 Tests. He is just three runs away from becoming the first Pakistani batsman to score 4,000 runs in Tests, which will mark a significant achievement in his career.
MILESTONE ALERT 🚨
Babar Azam Only Needs 3 More Runs In Test Cricket To Be Only The 3rd Cricketer To Score At Least 4000 Runs In Each Format 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XLW6iw6Hnj
— Challenger X (@MahdAdrees56) December 24, 2024
Babar Azam Set to Create History with Record Feats in All Formats
Once Babar scores three runs in the Test series against South Africa, he will become the first Pakistani player to score 4,000 Test runs, 5,000 ODI runs, and 2,000 T20I runs. Babar made his ODI debut for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 2015, and his T20I and Test debuts followed a year later.
Tough Challenge Ahead for Pakistan Against South Africa
Pakistan enters the Test series with a 3-0 win over South Africa in the ODI series. However, South Africa remains a formidable opponent in Test cricket, especially on their home turf. The first Test will take place in Centurion from December 26 to 30, while the second will be held in Cape Town from January 3 to 7. After the South Africa series, Pakistan is set to host the West Indies.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test:
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.